Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

03 August 2026: Abu Dhabi’s property market continues to record strong annual gains—but is momentum beginning to slow? Sean Swinburn, Director of Valuations at ValuStrat, gives us a first look at its Q2 2026 data, with quarterly capital value growth easing to 2.1%, its weakest pace in two years. UAE petrol prices have risen for August as renewed geopolitical tensions push Brent crude back above $100 a barrel. Rustin Edwards, Head of Sales at VKG, examines the volatility driving global oil markets and what it could mean for prices at the pump. Plus, UK barrister Byron James has become the first foreign lawyer admitted to the UAE Roll of Advocates. He joins us to discuss what the milestone means for foreign lawyers, international law firms and the UAE’s position as a global legal hub. And Samsung has unveiled its lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet, weighing just 201 grams. Fadi Abu Shamat, Vice President and Head of Mobile Experience at Samsung Gulf Electronics, takes us through the Fold8’s biggest upgrades and discusses what a price tag above $2,000, or around AED 8,000 could mean for demand in the GCC.

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Economic growth in the US unexpectedly slowed in the second quarter, despite an increase in consumer spending. Dan Richards of Emirates NBD explains what caused the slowdown and what it means for the US economy. Plus, football’s biggest tournament could soon attract private equity investment, and the team shares its thoughts on what that could mean for the sport. ADNOC Drilling reports record first-half revenue of $2.46 billion, with CFO Youssef Salem discussing what drove the results and the company’s growth strategy. We also examine the renewed disruption facing Gulf aviation as major international carriers extend flight suspensions, with some routes not expected to resume until 2027. Plus, Montenegro is emerging as a new holiday destination following the introduction of temporary visa-free entry for eligible UAE residents. DW Travel’s Emily Jenkins talks us through the conditions and costs. 

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Iran's Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) could extend its remit beyond merchant shipping to include subsea cable installation and maintenance in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring permits or fees for cable-laying vessels that can remain stationary for extended periods. Baker Botts partner Joshua Cole explains the potential impact on international connectivity and costs. Meanwhile, Nigel Green of deVere Group discusses UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's priorities, what his government could mean for investments, and the implications for British nationals living in both the UK and the UAE. Plus, Daniel Richards of Emirates NBD breaks down the Federal Reserve's latest interest rate decision. Finally, one week after the UAE's first national payment card, Jaywan, went live, Andrea Cianchetti of Al Etihad Payments explains how it works, how to get one, and the different card tiers available.  

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29 Jul 2026. We continue the earnings conversation following SK Hynix's results and ahead of updates from the hyperscalers. Monte Safieddine of Capital.com explains what has been moving the tech sector and what could drive markets in the coming sessions. Also, Dan Richards of Emirates NBD looks ahead to the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision, the factors policymakers are weighing and why the decision has become so politically charged. We also looked at Aster Clinics’ AED 100 million plan to expand its UAE primary-care network to more than 100 facilities by 2030. Plus, Lara Ewing, Head of Dubai Opera, discusses the recovery of the live-events industry as more international performances are lined up in Dubai. And with some UAE residents reconsidering European holidays due to visa delays, Jatin Sharda of Tunz Travel explains how early travellers should apply and what to do if a visa does not arrive before a booked flight.

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28 Jul 2026. Longer stays now account for nearly 70% of booked nights in Dubai’s short-term rental market. We speak to Luis Santos of First Class Property Management about what is driving the shift towards flexible monthly living. Plus, a quarter of junior employees surveyed say poor onboarding has made them more likely to leave, while two-thirds say they did not feel supported. Is this down to generational expectations? We ask Megan Prosser of Robert Walters about “lily padding” and whether it is happening in the UAE. Peter Willmott of AtkinsRéalis takes us inside the plans for Abu Dhabi’s $1.7 billion Sphere. And Meerah Ketait of dnata Travel explains why Asia is having a breakout summer with UAE travellers.

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27.07.2026 Ras Al Khaimah welcomed a record 670,000 plus visitors during the first half of 2026, driven by strong domestic tourism despite regional tensions disrupting international travel. We asked Phillipa Harrison, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), how they achieved it. Earnings season continues, with Union Properties reporting a 68% year-on-year surge in H1 2026. As the Dubai developer transitions from financial restructuring to sustainable growth, CEO Eng. Amer Khansaheb told us more. Plus, we looked at whether the conflict is making SMEs more aware of credit insurance—and whether it should. Roopesh Punjabi of Earnest Insurance tells us more. And finally, our Summer Strategy series continues, examining how Dubai businesses are pivoting during the typically quieter months. Ekaterina Gorbacheva from Udora reveals the latest summer shopping trends and explains how the company keeps customers engaged throughout the slow season.

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24 Jul 2026. Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) saw revenue and net profit fall as tourism and airport demand weighed on earnings, though Group CEO Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi says the company is seeing early signs of normalisation. Plus, with pressure on both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, we look at how the crisis is changing what a good contract looks like, with Amir Kordvani of PwC Middle East. And rising coffee prices mean more of us are making our own, apparently says FT. Are we seeing the same here. we asked Garfield Kerr of Mokha 1450.

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23 Jul 2026. Dubai inflation rose to 5.7% in June on the back of higher fuel and food costs, although monthly gains came at their slowest pace in several months. We get the reaction from Emirates NBD’s Nick Stadtmiller, and find out why he thinks the Fed might start cutting next year. Plus, 2025 was the year of funds and family offices moving to the UAE. Has the conflict put paid to their expansion? We speak to the man who finds them their CEOs, Oscar Orellana-Hyder of Cordell Partners. And Aramex has a new CEO. We speak to Amadou Diallo about where he’s taking the business.

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22 Jul 2026. Betterhomes says the conflict is actually bringing some clarity to Dubai’s real estate market. We ask how, with Richard Waind. Plus, a major new sovereign AI data centre has just gone live in Ras Al Khaimah. We find out what it tells us about the UAE’s AI ambitions with Jimi Ibrahim of IOPn. We also get the latest read on oil, trade and tariffs with Nick Stadtmiller of Emirates NBD. And a seven-bed villa on Dubai’s Billionaire Row has just been leased for AED 17 million a year, a new record. We find out more with Abdullah Alajaji of Driven Forbes Global Properties.

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21 Jul 2026. Warehouse demand is rising in Dubai, and prices with it, despite the conflict. We speak to Sean Swinburne of ValuStrat about why. Plus, with the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, Gulf oil has leaned on the Red Sea and overland pipelines. Now that backup is under pressure too. We get the analysis on what it means for supply and prices with Robin Mills of Qamar Energy. And gold was the UAE’s leading non-oil trade commodity in the first half of the year, new numbers show. We find out more about how it’s been moving with Aliasgar Tambawala of the Klay Group.

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