Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

30 Dec 2025. Dubai Airport has just handled its busiest Christmas on record, and now all eyes are on the New Year rush. We break down the numbers and how DXB is preparing for peak travel. Plus, continuing our NYE-nomics: how much do fireworks and drone shows really cost, and can Dubai’s transport system cope with demand on the biggest night of the year? We ask Zed. And with the population growing fast, Etihad Credit Bureau reveals what it means for credit scores and financial resilience in the UAE.

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29 Dec 2025. New Year’s Eve in Dubai is big business. From Burj Khalifa view hotel rates to floating parties and private drivers, we break down what midnight really costs this year. Plus, where are UAE travellers heading for 2026? Wego reveals the most-booked destinations, last-minute trends, and what’s still available.

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24 Dec 2025. It's almost Christmas! Will there be books under the tree this year? We ask the boss of Kinokuniya what’s selling in the final festive rush. Plus, a new housing project linked to Riyadh’s rail expansion, and with gold at record highs and markets wobbling, Century Financial’s Vijay Valecha explains what’s driving global prices.

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23 Dec 2025. Teneo’s Vision 2026 survey shows optimism at the top - but impatience among investors. We break down why CEOs still back AI despite mixed returns, what it means for hiring with Nick McDonagh, Regional MD at Teneo. Plus, a headhunter responds to a controversial hiring request, and we explore the business of Christmas pantos in Dubai with Lisa Scott-Lee.

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22 Dec 2025. Demand for short-term rentals in Dubai is surging ahead of New Year’s Eve,  especially apartments with a Burj Khalifa fireworks view. We ask Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of bnbme Holiday Homes, what it’ll cost you this year. Plus, what the next single-use plastic ban means for businesses in 2026 with Francois De Bie, COO, Emirates Bioplastic. And why tax, AI and governance are now front and centre for Gulf companies with Jade Wong of Sovereign PPG.

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19 Dec 2025. Dubai Duty Free marks 42 years, and MD Ramesh Cidambi joins us early to share how they’re celebrating and where sales are heading. Plus, what Christmas corporate catering says about business confidence, a deep dive into Dubai’s red-hot prime property market with Savills, and our 2025 Energy Round-Up with energy expert Matt Stanley.

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18 Dec 2025. Are more Dubai families opting for takeaway turkey this Christmas? We ask Jones the Grocer CEO Yunib Siddiqui what it means for festive food spending. Plus, Expo City Dubai launches a new leadership initiative, we get the details from CHRO Marjan Faradooni. And Rove Hotels is expanding into Saudi Arabia. COO Paul Bridger explains why now.

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17 Dec 2025. Emirates NBD has released a series of forecasts for 2026 - covering growth, oil, and the dollar. Acting Chief Economist Ed Bell breaks down what to expect. Plus, new tax rules come into force on January 1 - we speak to a friendly accountant on what businesses need to know. And Alvarez & Marsal’s Sam Gidoomal unpacks the latest UAE Banking Pulse, analysing performance across the country’s biggest lenders.

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16 Dec 2025. We continue our Christmas-nomics series, looking at how much we’re spending on trees and gifts with category managers from Ferns N Petals and Noon. Plus, as DXB heads into its busiest weeks of the year, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths tells us how the airport is managing the festive travel surge. And the RTA reveals fresh details on the Dubai Metro Blue Line -  executive reporter Fiona Nicole Mee has the latest.

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15 Dec 2025. It’s Christmas-nomics. We break down festive spending in 2025 - from turkeys and chocolates to premium treats, with Spinneys. Plus, Talabat CEO Tomaso Rodriguez on why he’s stepping down, and our C-Suite Series with HSBC continues as Kitopi co-founder Saman Darkkhan talks about scaling a UAE unicorn and what comes next.

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