Morning Drive

Abu Dhabi real estate records extraordinary growth as Modon fully books AED 1.25 billion in waterfront homes in 24 hours. EVA Real Estate Senior Manager Mario Volpi joins Tim Elliott to discuss the H1 market surge and DAMAC’s new Chelsea tower in Dubai.

Camel milk is moving from niche to mainstream, with demand growing across international markets as consumers look for new health focused and sustainable food choices. Joining Tim Elliott is Mudassar Yasin, the Founder of Hump Group, established in Birmingham in 2015, whose journey began in Dubai and has helped put camel milk on the global map through education, advocacy and international partnerships.

New data from Dubai power bank sharing platform Ray reveals low phone battery levels slash restaurant revenues during evening dining peaks. Speaking to Tim Elliott, co-founders Igor Kosolap and Roman Averianov discuss changing consumer behaviour and explain how rapid charging infrastructure safeguards hospitality check sizes in the Middle East region.

Corporate executives Alan VanderMolen and Jon de Jager step into the pit lane as co-founders of Dutch Brothers Racing. Speaking with Tim Elliott, the duo reveals how they are converting decades of elite leadership and financial discipline into a purpose-driven, content-led motorsport enterprise.

Tim Elliott and Independent Financial Consultant James Thomas dissect a BBC report on Lloyds Bank CEO Charlie Nunn’s controversial personal finance advice. They explore why manual budgeting fails, the risks of social media ‘finfluencers’, and how automated savings offer UAE residents a practical defence against high living costs.

As global recruitment giants face staggering profit falls and regional office closures, a hiring slowdown is gripping major international markets. Presenter Tim Elliott sits down with David Mackenzie, Managing Director of Mackenzie Jones Middle East, to analyse these shifting macroeconomic trends and unpack what this cooling landscape means for local job seekers.

Tim Elliott is joined by Monetary Metals’ Jeff Rhodes to analyse the global gold market’s resilient performance amidst inflation fears and looming interest rate hikes. Despite recent sharp corrections, Rhodes projects a highly bullish future with central banks continuing to buy, predicting gold will comfortably breach the $5,000 mark.

Halfway through 2026, the MENA automotive sector is facing a sharp 3.9% decline in vehicle sales. Presenter Tim Elliott sits down with Anna-Marie Baisden, Head of Autos and Infrastructure Research, BMI, to unpack a story of extreme divergence, examining how shipping disruptions and geopolitical strain are punishing some markets whilst others show surprising resilience.

Dubai’s rental market is moving toward a more modern, flexible future. Speaking on Mira Business FM today, EVA Real Estate’s Mario Volpi tells Tim Elliott that while some premium landlords are still holding on to traditional single-cheque payments, the growing demand for European-style monthly rent is paving the way for exciting, tenant-friendly options that will ultimately make Dubai an even more attractive place to live.

UAE-based energy transition platform Positive Zero has closed a landmark non-recourse debt facility of up to $375 million, marking a major milestone for the region's decentralized utility sector. Host Tim Elliott is joined by David Auriau, CEO of Positive Zero, to analyze how this structured financing—arranged with Natixis CIB and The Arab Energy Fund—aims to accelerate solar, energy efficiency, and clean mobility projects across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar.