Morning Drive

Tim Elliott interviews Ajay Menon, CEO of Luxe Vista Properties, to analyse the reality behind Dubai's soaring property appreciation. The discussion analyses mid-market off-plan projections, evaluates target prices per square foot, and highlights key factors investors must examine before expecting substantial long-term financial returns.

F&B growth in the UAE is no longer just about opening more outlets. Established brands are increasingly looking at adjacent categories, new products and new revenue streams to keep growing without losing what made them successful in the first place.On Morning Drive, we look at how brands can expand beyond their core business while staying relevant to customers. Joining Tim Elliott is Matt Toogood, Co-Owner and CEO of RAW Coffee Company, to discuss the UAE coffee market, diversification and the business of building new verticals.

In this episode, Tim Elliott sits down with Off-Plan Investment Advisor Patrick Mullally to discuss his personal career pivot from Australia to Abu Dhabi. Patrick shares key insights into navigating the local property landscape, the growing opportunities within the Abu Dhabi market, and practical guidance for aspiring real estate professionals looking to establish themselves in the UAE.

Tim Elliott speaks with Monetary Metals’ Jeff Rhodes as bullion holds near historic highs. Rhodes breaks down shifting US interest rate expectations, geopolitical instability, and the Dutch Central Bank moving billions in gold to London. Plus, a look at unallocated accounts and why silver could soon test new ranges.

Dubai’s real estate market continues to attract investors and new players. But is it still a good time to enter the industry, and what does it take to succeed?Joining Tim Elliott is Artem Makarov, Real Estate Broker at AGRR Real Estate, to explain how to become a broker in Dubai, what he is seeing in the market, and his advice for those looking to enter the business.

The Gulf's recruitment sector is facing its toughest period since the pandemic, with live job vacancies plunging by nearly a third year-on-year. Tim Elliott speaks to Mackenzie Jones Middle East Managing Director David Mackenzie to unpack the market data, tackle candidate expectations, and explore Q4 survival strategies.

Shein’s Hong Kong debut has given investors a reality check. Shares fell sharply despite a limited float, raising fresh questions about valuations, consumer spending and the future of ultra-cheap e-commerce. So what does Shein’s performance tell us about global markets, and could the same pressures affect consumers and businesses across the GCC? Joining Tim Elliott is Nagham Hassan, MENA Market Analyst at eToro, to look at the bigger market picture.

South African honey is making its way into the UAE, with premium producers looking to tap into a market where consumers are increasingly interested in quality, traceability and natural products. Hive & Earth Sustainable Honey Company, which exhibited at Gulfood last year, is now looking at the UAE as a potential growth market. Tim Elliott speaks to co-owner Danie Vorster about entering the UAE, the opportunities, and the challenges of bringing South African honey to the region.

Chinese car brands are no longer competing in the UAE on price alone. Technology, design, performance and quality are reshaping the market, but as competition grows, winning a customer once may not be enough. The bigger challenge is building trust, loyalty and a strong aftersales experience. Today, we look at what it will take for Chinese automotive brands to become long-term players in the UAE. Joining Tim Elliott is Mohamed Elzawawy, General Manager at Performance Plus Motors, representing VOYAH UAE, to discuss where the Chinese automotive market goes from here.

The UAE and Egypt have activated a five-year, US$500 million wheat supply agreement, highlighting a growing concern for businesses: in an increasingly volatile world, is the cheapest supplier still the best supplier? Tim Elliott is joined by Sam Achampong, Regional Director for Asia, Australasia, Middle East and Africa at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, to discuss why companies are putting a bigger premium on resilience, reliable suppliers and long-term contracts.