Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

03 Apr 2026. Dubai has added more fee deferrals to its billion dirham economic support package. Three month deferrals on local services fees, accommodation fees and licence amendment fees are now in play and we break down why it matters and what it is trying to do. Media One on how hotels are getting creative to keep occupancy up and what the hospitality picture looks like on the ground right now. Grandiose on how they are keeping shelves stocked and supply chains stable as regional uncertainty puts pressure on food imports and shipping routes. And it started as a WhatsApp group of 60 chefs. Now 200 strong and pumping real money into Dubai’s independent restaurant scene. Chef Kelvin Cheung, Chef and Partner at Jun’s, tells us the story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02 Apr 2026.  Dubai announced a billion dirham economic support package. We speak to a hotel owner about what this will actually mean on the ground and for their cash flow. Energy expert Matt Stanley on how the oil market is reacting to President Trump’s address to the nation. Emirates Growth Fund invested 45 million dirhams into Carnistore this week and CEO Khalifa Al Hajeri tells us who might be next. And Dubai South discusses how one of the emirate’s largest urban developments is holding up, after a Dh2 billion residential contract was just signed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

01 Apr 2026. Fuel prices in the UAE jumped sharply for April. Super and Special are up around 30%, while diesel is up by more than 70%. Energy expert Matt Stanley and economist Ed Bell put the numbers in context and tell us what higher prices mean for the cost of living amid a global energy shock. SMEs across Dubai are rethinking their corporate structures, and Virtuzone explains what businesses are doing to protect themselves and stay flexible. And Christopher Long, Head of Intelligence and Compliance at Neptune P2P Group, discusses how the shipping industry is navigating the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz and what that means for global trade routes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

31 Mar 2026. The events and conferences industry is adjusting to a very different landscape right now and Mohammed Tayem, CEO of Entourage, tells us how. Emirates Growth Fund has invested 45 million dirhams in Carnistore and we get co-founder Daniel Wanies in to talk us through the timing. AtkinsRealis on how the UAE’s construction sector is keeping projects on track and managing supply chain pressures five weeks into the conflict. And real estate boss Lewis Allsopp has just launched a new business in the ticketing space, seatsy.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 Mar 2026. Companies are rereading their contracts. Liability and risk around project delays are top of mind right now, one lawyer tells us. Plus, Deal Drive on the shifts in the UAE’s second hand car market and whether fuel volatility is pushing buyers towards EVs. And Cooper Fitch on whether the post-Eid recruitment bounce is happening. Finally, our Exec Reporter Georgia Tolley goes behind the scenes at the FII summit in Miami, where organiser Richard Attias hosted a heavyweight guest list led by President Trump.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 Mar 2026. Primark has officially opened its doors in Dubai. We cross live from the store (PJs section!) with Alshaya Group CEO John Hadden. Plus, how supplier payment terms are shifting and what it means for business cash flow, with Sam Achampong of CIPS, and former talabat CEO Tomaso Rodriguez on his new role as chairman of Flyby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Mar 2026. Dubai’s property sector isn’t blinking despite regional uncertainty. Katralnada Binghatti, CEO and Managing Director of Binghatti Holding, tells us how operations and sales are holding up on the ground. John Lyons of Espace Real Estate takes stock of the broader market and how the conflict is and isn’t shaking things up. And AES International on why now is the time to stay calm and stay strategic with your investments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Mar 2026.  Sarah Brooks, founder of Fikrah HR, shares the advice she’s giving companies as they navigate the current situation. Employment partner Rachel Hill of Addleshaw Goddard talks us through the UAE Unemployment Insurance scheme - what it covers and why every worker should know it. And Dubai Customs joins us on the new Green Corridor, designed to speed up the flow of goods into the UAE through Oman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Mar 2026. Airlines worldwide are changing routes and raising prices due to rising jet fuel costs. We look at how high ticket prices could go with aviation expert Nick Humphrey. Emirates NBD has also revised its oil forecast - economist Dan Richards breaks down what that means for the UAE economy. Plus, hospitality push through the uncertainty: Andre Gerschel has recently opened Barrafina in DIFC, and Dennis McGettigan joins us on his latest acquisition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Mar 2026. With salary deductions making headlines, we get the legal reality from Luke Tapp of Pinsent Masons. Regional tensions are driving up shipping, freight, and insurance costs - and it’s landing on your supermarket shelf. The CEO of Choithrams tells us what they’re doing to shield your grocery bill. Friday brunch isn’t dead, it’s just moved! we talk to Leonardo Maltese, Group Executive Sous Chef at Roberto’s Catering Experiences, on how Dubai’s restaurant scene is reinventing hospitality. And this Eid, 73% of UAE residents didn’t travel, but when they did go out, they were choosy. Platinumlist breaks down what that means for the entertainment industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Mar 2026. We get the latest on oil markets with Matt Stanley of Kpler. Plus, Careem’s Shaden Khallaf on its Ramadan tip-matching campaign and the impact it’s had, Dubai Autodrome’s CEO on adapting during disruption, and how companies are turning to AI as a resilience tool with Shaffra.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Mar 2026. As Dubai International Airport works to move passengers and cargo safely through challenging conditions, CEO Paul Griffiths tells us why DXB will come back stronger. Plus, what the conflict means for Dubai’s real estate brokers, how companies are managing remote work and supporting parents, and the small business behind the ‘Dubai is Home’ hoodies capturing the mood of the moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Mar 2026. What has the recent conflict meant for Dubai’s rental market? betterhomes’ Rupert Simmonds shares what he’s seeing on the ground over the past two weeks. Plus, DHL Express on adapting supply chains across the region, flyadeal on schedules ahead of Eid travel, and a check-in with local business Nordix Homework on operating through uncertainty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Mar 2026. Dubai schools operator Taaleem is supporting teaching staff while preparing contingency plans for the next academic term amid regional uncertainty. CEO Alan Williamson joins us. Plus, it’s our C-Suite with Standard Chartered, featuring the career journey of Professor Dame Heather McGregor of Heriot-Watt Dubai. With oil still above $100 a barrel after the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Amena Bakr of Kpler breaks down the energy market impact. And despite uncertainty, Dubai property deals continue, with Driven Properties founder Abdullah Alajaji discussing what that says about investor confidence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Mar 2026. With airspace restrictions affecting flights across the region, IATA’s Kashif Khalid explains what it means for the wider aviation industry. Plus, a look at hospitality jobs with an F&B recruitment expert, Rove Hotels COO Paul Bridger on adjusting pricing as visitor demand softens, and we check in with a Dubai automotive events company taking high-speed driving indoors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Mar 2026. Primark is just two weeks away from opening its first UAE store. John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, explains how the launch is staying on track despite challenging circumstances. Plus, Spinneys GM Tom Harvey discusses getting creative to secure supplies, Sam Achampong of CIPS covers major shipping lines suspending cargo bookings to and from the Arabian Gulf, and John Lyons of Espace Real Estate explains what the latest data shows in Dubai’s property market as investors ask questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Mar 2026. With many travel plans uncertain right now, we ask Avinash Babur, founder and CEO of insurancemarket.ae, what travel insurance actually covers. Plus, Matt Stanley breaks down what a 12% drop in Aramco’s profit means for Saudi Arabia, Vinayak Mahtani of bnbme Holiday Homes on softer bookings in Dubai’s holiday home sector, and the founder of a community market platform on helping small businesses keep trading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Mar 2026. With oil prices climbing above $115 a barrel amid Middle East tensions, concerns about stagflation are emerging. Economist Ed Bell of Emirates NBD explains what it is and whether the UAE is at risk. Plus, Josh Gilbert of eToro on mixed Gulf market performance, Lulu Group’s V. Nandakumar on chartering planes to bring in fresh produce, a legal view on force majeure in the energy sector, and Donna Benton, founder of The Entertainer, on giving away 50,000 memberships to support hospitality and leisure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09 Mar 2026. Hiring in the UAE is continuing despite regional tensions. Recruitment expert Dan Chadwick tells us what companies are doing right now. Plus, DrinkDry founder Erika Doyle on running an import business while abroad. And with crude oil above $110 a barrel after Middle East output cuts and the Strait of Hormuz closure, Ed Bell and Matt Stanley break down what it means for energy markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06 Mar 2026. We speak to Majid Al Futtaim CEO Ahmed Ismail about the state of retail. Plus, the business of spring break holiday camps as families adjust plans, GymNation on managing staff, clients and operations during uncertainty, and an expert analysis of surging jet fuel and energy prices and what they mean for the wider market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05 Mar 2026. Drone damage to AWS facilities triggered outages for some online platforms, including Sarwa. Group CEO Mark Chawan explains what happened and how they restored services. Plus, Maurice Gravier from Emirates NBD’s CIO office on what wealth advisers are telling private clients right now. Plus, UAE business owner on leading teams through uncertainty, and Sean Evers of Gulf Intelligence on volatile oil and energy markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04 Mar 2026. UAE and Saudi PMI data show robust, non-oil private sector growth. Economist Ed Bell breaks down the latest numbers and the most recent market update. Plus, as authorities urge residents not to stockpile, Sky Kurtz of Pure Harvest Smart Farms on local food supply. We speak to Marsh about insurance and market risk as tensions raise questions over refineries, and hear from Dubai residents trying to get back home amid travel disruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03 Mar 2026. Plus, The Strait of Hormuz is closed and Iran will fire on any ship trying to pass. That's according to Iranian media quoting an Iranian Revolutionary Guards senior official. Robin Mills explains the implications for global energy supply. Rustin Edwards breaks down how insurers cancelling war-risk cover is reshaping shipping costs, and gold specialist Jeff Rhodes joins us live on safe-haven price dynamics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02 Mar 2026. Amid heightened regional tensions and airspace disruptions, UAE authorities are urging residents not to panic-buy. We speak to Spinneys and Choithrams on food stocks and supply levels, a hotelier on supporting guests during disruption, energy expert Matt Stanley on oil and supply chains, and Deliveroo and logistics operators on keeping goods moving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 Feb 2026. Could AI transcription of online calls and meetings breach UAE privacy laws? We get legal clarity on what businesses need to know. Plus, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) reports record sales despite global tariff tensions, we speak to the CFO. Etihad Cargo has seen a surge in shipments of art, pets and high-value cars, the CEO tells us what that signals about the Abu Dhabi economy. And with new UAE e-invoicing guidelines issued ahead of phased deadlines, we break down what companies must do now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Feb 2026. Etihad Airways has posted its best-ever financial results, with 2025 net profit up 47% as passenger numbers climbed 21% and the fleet expanded by 30%. We speak to the CFO about the numbers behind the growth. Plus, Uber will soon let users in Dubai book a Joby Aviation air taxi through its app, our Executive Reporter Georgia Tolley speaks to Uber’s President of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery, Sarfraz Maredia. And we talk “Ramadanomics” and retail expansion with Marks & Spencer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Feb 2025. Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) is preparing to enter the Abu Dhabi market through the Bolt e-hailing app. CEO Mansoor Alfalasi joins us to discuss the expansion and the company’s full-year results. Plus, with Ramadan and the weather on side, we ask whether there’s still strong demand for Ramadan tents. And the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is expanding its stadium capacity, we hear from Ramesh Cidambi on the strategy behind the move.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Feb 2026. Cooper Fitch has released its annual CEO survey, giving us a first look at how much growth leaders expect this year and what they’re likely to be rewarded for delivering it. Plus, cycling shifts from sport to serious business as demand accelerates in the UAE we speak to the team at Wolfi’s. And executives are trading calendar time for charity. We ask MeetMagic founder Carl Gough how the model works.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Feb 2026. The US Supreme Court has declared President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs, among others declared under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, illegal. We break down what it means for businesses that have been selling under tariff pricing, and for companies that have paid those levies at both ends, with a trade expert and economist, including the knock-on effects for the UAE. Plus, in the C-suite, we look at Hollywood leadership in the age of AI with the former head of Amazon MGM’s production studios. And with Ramadan demand peaking, Jumeirah’s Andy Cuthbert tells us how important the season is for hospitality margins, and what trends are standing out this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Feb 2026. UAE healthcare provider Medcare continues to expand in the UAE and will open an organ transplant centre in Sharjah, in addition to plans for building a multispecialty hospital in Dubai Studio City in 2028. Plus, Expo City Dubai is hosting the annual Hai Ramadan celebration starting tomorrow. And Dubai is spending millions of dirhams developing its beaches.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Feb 2026. Nord Anglia is partnering with Dubai Holding to build new schools across its communities, we speak to the regional director about what it means for families and long-term demand. Plus, UAE proptech Stake has raised $31 million as it expands into Saudi Arabia and the US. Co-founder and Co-CEO Rami Tabbara joins us. And after Wasl pledged 17,000 affordable homes back in May, our Executive Reporter Georgia Tolley finds out how much progress has actually been made and what it means for Dubai’s workforce.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Feb 2026. Dubai Holding and Nord Anglia Education are partnering to develop and operate premium schools across Dubai, with the first opening in Dubai Production City. We unpack what this means for the emirate’s education landscape. Plus, DMCC’s Ahmed Bin Sulayem joins us to discuss redevelopment plans in JLT and the outlook for commodities. UAE-born hotel brand Rove expands into Egypt, COO Paul Bridger shares the strategy. And S&P Global says sustainable bond issuance in the Middle East could reach $25 billion, we speak to the director.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Feb 2026. Dubai’s premium leisure airline Beond is opening a Bahrain base, launching new Maldives services as competition across the Gulf intensifies. We speak to the team behind the move. Plus, we pay tribute to royal photographer Ramesh Shukla, who chronicled the history of the UAE. Etihad Rail is preparing to launch passenger services within months, executive reporter Georgia Tolley got a sneak preview onboard and brings us the details, including what it could mean for GDP. And Premier Inn unveils a AED 2 billion expansion plan to double its Gulf footprint.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Feb 2026. As rising parking costs squeeze Dubai’s drivers, some residents are turning their spaces into income streams. Our Executive Reporter Georgia Tolley speaks to Shazam Parking about the business behind it. Plus, from financial hypnotherapy for high performers to Rolls-Royce targeting a younger ultra-wealthy buyer, we explore how money and mindset are shifting. And why are people queueing until 2am for books priced at just a few dirhams? We unpack the business behind Dubai’s late-night Big Bad Wolf frenzy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Feb 2026. It’s earnings season: Spinneys posts its biggest-ever store expansion in 2025, CEO Sunil Kumar walks us through the numbers. ADNOC Drilling reports its strongest year to date, CFO Youssef Salem crunches the results. And talabat reveals its latest performance, we speak to CFO Khaled Alfakesh. Plus, with Ramadan approaching, IKEA launches an iftar experience -  yes, among the flatpack furniture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Feb 2026. AirAsia X is setting up its first Middle East hub in Bahrain, with London flights launching later this year and plans for a separate Bahrain-based airline. Founder Tony Fernandes speaks to the Business Breakfast. Plus, it’s earnings season - we get Presight’s latest numbers direct from the CEO. And in Property Pulse, European families are relocating in force, but Moody’s warns of a cooling market. What’s really happening on the ground?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Feb 2026. Dubai International Airport welcomed 95.2 million passengers in 2025, up 3.1% year on year, the busiest year in its history and the highest annual international traffic ever recorded by any airport. We get the numbers straight from CEO Paul Griffiths. Plus, Dubai closes in on 20 million visitors, we speak to DET’s Hoor Al Khaja. Choithrams announces one of the UAE’s largest supermarket price resets, and we ask CEO Mark Mortimer-Davies why. And we meet the founder of an AI real estate intelligence platform quietly raising fresh capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Feb 2026. Broadcasting live from the Address Sky View in Downtown Dubai for the release of the Cavendish Maxwell 2026 Dubai Real Estate Market Update. We get a first look at the latest residential market data with Zacky Sajjad, Director of Business Development and Client Relations at Cavendish Maxwell. Plus, have events really been stacked back-to-back ahead of Ramadan? We speak to the man who tracks the numbers. And Dubai has hit a new tourism record, we ask Emirates NBD economist Jeanne Walters how much that matters for the wider economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09 Feb 2026.Live from Expo City Dubai as the city moves into its next phase with the launch of Expo Valley Views. We unpack how Expo City is evolving into a fully fledged urban hub with Ahmed Al Khatib and why global companies are heading south with Charles Swanson. Plus, from our C-suite series - we hear from Rizwan Sajan on the forces that shaped his rise in Dubai real estate. And, a startup pitching “ChatGPT for real estate” after a $3 million pre-launch raise. Finally, Cooper Fitch has put together its annual bonus report - we find out what's in store for high performers in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06 Feb 2026. The Business Breakfast broadcast live from BDP Beach on Hayat Island, the latest addition to Bar du Port’s regional expansion at Mina by RAK Properties. We spoke to the CEO of RAK Properties as the developer released its 2025 numbers and prepared for another major launch. Plus, AlphaMind Group brought its French Riviera flair north with Bar du Port Beach - CEO Tony Habre joined us. And we speak to the white-glove storage firm looking after fine art and luxury handbags for Dubai’s high-net-worth residents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05 Feb 2026. It’s earnings season, and the CEO of Saudi low-cost carrier flyadeal joins us in the studio to walk through the airline’s latest numbers. NMDC has also posted record 2025 results and is now looking beyond the UAE, CEO Eng. Yasser Zaghloul tells us where next. Plus, software giant Zoho is building its own data centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we find out what that really involves. Aldar Education partners with 450-year-old Rugby School to open a new Dubai campus. CEO Sahar Cooper joins us on why demand for premium education keeps rising.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04 Feb 2026. Dubai’s transport plans move up a gear! Driverless Glydcars are coming, with Georgia Tolley speaking to the CEO of Glydways on how the pods will work. And construction has officially started on the Dubai Loop, linking DIFC and Dubai Mall - GT gets the details from the RTA. Plus, SQUATWOLF’s co-founder on building a global fitness brand from a Dubai apartment. And former UK trade envoy Lord Marland on the investment council he’s bringing to the UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.