Morning Drive

Naughty Pizza founder Bart Misztal joins Tim Elliott to discuss managing supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and shifting consumer habits across the UAE. Despite ongoing market uncertainties, Misztal reveals how tighter cost controls and strategic adaptations are driving the brand's rapid regional expansion, major new event partnerships, and local venue launches.

Dubai’s hotel market is feeling the impact of regional disruption, but mid-market properties are holding up better than luxury hotels. With occupancy down 30% in H1 2026, can the return of international travel drive a recovery? And what if the conflict drags on?Joining us is Ali Siddiqui, Research Manager at Cavendish Maxwell, to unpack this.

Tim Elliott is joined by Mario Volpi, Senior Manager at EVA Real Estate, to analyse shifting dynamics across the Emirates. As buyers weigh geopolitical caution against high-yield opportunities, off-plan demand accelerates. Volpi reveals why capital is aggressively moving into emerging hotspots, questioning if Ras Al Khaimah is outshining Dubai.

Oil has climbed above $90 a barrel as hopes of a US-Iran deal fade, raising fresh concerns over energy supplies, shipping and the cost of goods. For the UAE, the question is how resilient the economy and its supply chains can remain if tensions persist. We’re joined by Frank Kane, Editor-at-Large at Arabian Gulf Business Insight, to look at the Gulf’s energy outlook and what businesses and consumers should watch next.

The US-Iran interim deal has expired without a new agreement, while the Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint. Oil prices are rising again, shipping is under pressure and businesses are facing renewed uncertainty over energy and trade.So what does this mean for the Gulf economy, UAE businesses and consumers? And could the UAE emerge stronger as regional uncertainty continues?We are joined by Dr Florian Meier, Associate Head of Department for Accounting, Economics and Finance at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, to assess what comes next.

Months into the regional conflict, UAE freelancers are still navigating a tougher market. Projects have been delayed, budgets have tightened and businesses have become more cautious. But has the freelance market started to recover?We revisit the conversation with UAE-based film director and producer Ammar Galal, who joined us months ago when work was particularly difficult. What does the market look like now, and what should freelancers and businesses expect?

Tim Elliott speaks with Ajay Menon, CEO of Luxe Vista Properties, to break down the sheer volume of property payment plans dominating Dubai's current market. They discuss how investors can differentiate between competing schemes, evaluate post-handover terms, mitigate risks, and choose the ideal plan for long-term value.

Months into the region’s geopolitical tensions, businesses are still adapting to uncertainty and changing consumer behaviour. From Dubai’s citywide initiatives to Save Our Soap, campaigns are being used to maintain confidence, drive action and support businesses.Mira Business FM was among the first to interview Stevi Lowmass when Save Our Soap launched. Now, with the campaign reaching its targets, Tim Elliott follows up with Lucy Bradley, Founder of Plug, who conceptualised the campaign, to find out what has happened since and what the campaign says about business resilience.

Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day today, and we are spotlighting one of the Indonesians championing Indonesian cuisine in Dubai. Months ago, Bobi Bowl was facing serious challenges and co-founder Sylvana Sari revealed she had even considered closing the restaurant. Now, we find out what happened next, how the business is doing today, and what it took to keep Bobi Bowl going.

The Philippines is caught in the crosshairs of the global AI race as the US pushes Pax Silica. But is this tech deal securing the nation's future or exploiting its resources? On Morning Drive, Tim Elliott presses IBON Foundation's Head of Research and Executive Editor Rosb Guzman on whether this alliance delivers real economic opportunity—or leaves millions of Filipinos paying the price.