Bitesize Business Breakfast Podcast

03 Aug 2023. New PMI reading for the UAE was 56 in July - down slightly from June; S&P economist Ralf Weigert joined us to explain the numbers. Plus, as markets continue to fall after Fitch downgraded the US economy, we asked Ed Bell of Emirates NBD how concerned we should be about this downgrade. And, as Facebook and Instagram start selling blue ticks in the UAE – yours for Dhs47 a month – we ask social media expert Steph Farah if it devalues the brands.

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02 Aug 2023. Ed Bell from Emirates NBD explains that robust UAE growth forecast. Plus, we spoke to the eSim company disrupting telco's roaming revenues, about the funding it's just got from - e&. Ahmet Bahadır Özdemir is the Co-Founder / CEO of Airalo. And, we talk all things gold demand in India with Jeff Rhodes and Andrew Naylor from the World Gold Council.

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01 Aug 2023. Lawyer Rebecca Kelly of Clyde & Co. explained why UAE judicial authorities are setting up new offices to deal with financial crime, including money laundering. Plus, we look at what effect the increase in fuel prices could have on inflation with Emirates NBD economist Ed Bell. And, do you prefer using eSIM when you travel? Richard Dean says roaming services on our UAE number is cheaper. Do you agree?

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31 Jul 2023. We find out more about the penalties that will come into force tomorrow for not keeping proper corporate tax records with lawyer Nils Van Hassel from DLA Piper. Plus, as ADIB reported a 68% year-on-year rise in Q2 profit - we speak to their Group CFO Mohamed Abdel Bary on that growth. And, are you considering buying an EV? Research from Cars 24 says EV searches are booming in the UAE – CEO Abhinav Gupta tells us how many of these inquiries are turning into bookings.

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26 Jul 2023. DIFC Courts says over 700 wills have been registered in the first half of 2023 but we asked Amna Al Owais, Chief Registrar, DIFC Courts why this growth has been a bit slow. Plus, RAKBANK has posted a 71% jump in profits in H1. Their CEO Raheel Ahmed told us whether he was surprised by this number. And, we speak to one business that set up during COVID to find investors! Khaled Talhouni, the MD of Nuwa Capital explained why they left their jobs to start an investment company. 

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We go through those new inflation numbers with Emirates NBD senior economist Daniel Richards and find out where in the Dubai economy prices are easing. Meanwhile, rents have risen more than 32% annually. We speak to the man behind the report, Haider Tuaima, Director and Head of Real Estate Research at Valustrat. And, as Elon confirms that he killed off the Twitter bluebird logo - replacing it with the letter 'X' - we reveal what it means for UAE advertisers and users with ad agency Leo Burnett. 

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We asked Toshita Chauhan, Business Head of Policybazaar.ae where do we stand with travel insurance when it comes to cancellations. Plus, with the Dow Jones stock index enjoying its longest rally since 2017, where should you invest? Veteran investor Gary Dugan joins us live. And do we need more oil? IEF says the world could face an oil shortage. Oil expert Matt Stanley, Partnerships Lead, Middle East at Kpler shared his take.

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We speak to National Bonds about their survey which found more than a third of us want to retire here in the UAE. Insurance broker Stephen MacLaren of Seven Insurance Brokers share where are we in terms of affordable coverage for retirees. Dr. Neil Nijhawan of Burjeel Holdings explain what does this mean to your healthcare costs. And we look at the retirement visa take up with Fragomen.

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That's according to a new survey from National Bonds, which found only 8% want to return home. So we asked how much do you think you need to retire comfortably in the UAE? Plus, venture capital funding for Middle East tech start-ups took a big hit this year, down 42% to $1 billion so far. We speak to the research firm behind the report, Philip Bahoshy of Magnitt. And, catch-ups with covid era companies - wedding planners that pivoted twice - and are still going strong.

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We asked the Head of Product Development at DW Travel, Emily Jenkins. Plus, we look at what so significant about India and UAE to use dirhams and rupees for trade with Dr. Suyash Bhatt of AFTI Dubai. And discuss what weaker than expected GDP numbers out of China mean for the rest of the world with Weisi Xie of Economist Intelligence Unit.

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