Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

14 Jan 2026. Sharjah is getting a major new convention centre but does the region really need more exhibition space? We ask events expert Natalie Crampton what it means for the industry. Plus, Q4 hiring picked up across the Gulf, we speak to Cooper Fitch’s Dr Trefor Murphy on whether it’s enough to meet the population growth. And with cash use falling fast in the UAE, Visa’s chief economist explains where cash still survives and why digital payments keep winning.

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13 Jan 2026. ADNOC Distribution has opened one of the world’s largest fast EV charging hubs on the E11 between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, capable of charging up to 60 cars at once. We ask CMO Jacqueline El Boghdadi just how fast “fast charging” really is. Plus, as the World Future Energy Summit kicks off, sustainability expert Tanzeed Alam explains what it will actually mean for businesses in 2026. We also speak to Parkin about its new tie-up with Spinneys and the future of paid parking in the UAE. And former Gong and Clari content chief Devin Reed tells us why LinkedIn matters more than most people realise.

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12 Jan 2026. What could it mean for markets and confidence in the US economy? We ask economist Jeanne Walters. Plus, UAE Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri on changes to the Commercial Companies Law. China’s Consul General outlines Beijing’s next five-year plan and trade ties with the UAE. The DFSA’s new crypto token rules come into force today, Elizabeth Wallace explains what firms should expect. And driverless taxis move closer in Dubai as a new autonomous control centre goes live, Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency.

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09 Jan 2026. Etihad Rail has announced seven new passenger stations, expanding the national network to 11 locations across the UAE. What could this mean for property development, connectivity, and prices? We ask Zhann Johincke, the man with the map. Plus, could Dubai’s Water Canal area one day rival Mayfair or Fifth Avenue? Georgia Tolley reports on the city’s emerging hotspots. And a leadership change at Binance as regulation tightens across the Gulf. We speak to the new Regional Head for MENAT, and Senior Executive Officer for Abu Dhabi, Tarik Erk.

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08 Jan 2026. Parkin has entered into a management agreement with Spinneys and Waitrose to deploy parking solutions across six selected retail locations in Dubai. How will it work? We ask Tom Harvey, GM of Spinneys. Plus, Saudi Arabia is opening its property market to foreign investors from January 21. What could it mean for the Saudi economy and real estate sector? We get analysis from Knight Frank and a real estate lawyer from Mohamed Ghanem and Associates Legal Consultancy. And with the UAE’s new sugar-based tax now in force, we ask PepsiCo what it means for soft drink prices and product strategy. Finally, as construction tops out on the $3.9bn Wynn Al Marjan Island, we hear from the new head of RAK Tourism on what the resort means for the emirate’s ambitions.

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07 Jan 2026. What could 2026 bring for local IPOs? Market watcher Sameer Lakhani joins us with his outlook on listings, valuations and investor appetite.Plus, the UAE lowers the legal age of adulthood to 18, what does that mean financially for teenagers? We get a legal perspective. And with fresh PMI data out this week, Daniel Richards explains what the numbers really tell us about economic momentum. Finally, President Trump says US oil companies could be pumping Venezuelan crude within 18 months - is that realistic, and would it move prices? We ask Rystad Energy’s chief economist.

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06 Jan 2026. The UAE’s new sugar-based tax is now live. Will it push up prices on fizzy drinks and sweetened products? We ask Spinneys whether shoppers will feel it at the till. Plus, BYD is now the world’s biggest EV company, we speak to Al-Futtaim about demand in the UAE. And UAE banks are switching off OTPs for online purchases. What does that mean for security and customers? We break it down with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.

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05 Jan 2026. US President Donald Trump says US oil companies could invest billions in Venezuela. What would American big oil returning to Venezuela mean for global supply, oil prices, and the UAE? We ask energy expert Robin Mills. Plus, we get a Business Breakfast first look at a new global index ranking the world’s most start-up-ready cities with Multipolitan CEO Nirbhay Handa. And BYD is now the world’s biggest EV maker, we checked the appetite for electric cars in the UAE with Craig Stevens of dubicars.

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02 Jan 2026. Dubai Duty Free has capped off 2025 with record-breaking sales, nearly 10% higher than last year, with December the strongest month in its 42-year history. We break down the numbers with Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi. Plus, crystal-ball time - we look at what could 2026 mean for key sectors from F&B to recruitment. 

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31 Dec 2025. It’s the final Business Breakfast of 2025. As Dubai gears up for New Year’s Eve celebrations, the RTA reveals how it plans to keep the city moving, from extended Metro hours to road closures and crowd management. We speak to Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at RTA. Plus, we look ahead to 2026, what could the year bring for energy markets, Dubai real estate, insurance costs, and business confidence as we gaze into the Business Breakfast crystal ball.

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