Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

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.