Morning Drive

As WhatsApp rolls out its highly anticipated username feature to boost user privacy, cybersecurity experts are warning of a potential disaster. Cyronel founder Nikita Astionov joins Tim Elliott to unpack how automated AI-driven fraud and sophisticated impersonation tactics are transforming this privacy tool into a dangerous new weapon for cybercriminals.

Tim Elliott sits down with Mario Volpi, senior manager at Eva Real Estate, to break down the pivotal developments shaping Dubai’s booming property sector over the last seven days. They dissect key market shifts, emerging investor trends, and crucial updates driving the emirate's landscape.

Tim Elliott sits down with AGBI - Arabian Gulf Business Insight Editor-at-large Frank Kane Frank Kane to analyse why Qatar faces a 14% economic contraction. Despite ongoing peace talks, severe infrastructure attacks at Ras Laffan and total reliance on the volatile Strait of Hormuz leave the energy giant uniquely vulnerable to a prolonged, multiyear recession.

Why do so many buyers judge a property by its distance from familiar landmarks rather than what it truly offers? Tim Elliott speaks with Ajay Menon, CEO of Luxe Vista Properties, about changing perceptions of location, buyer behaviour, transport, lifestyle, and why value often lies beyond the obvious.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding has captured headlines around the world, putting the spotlight back on lavish celebrations and what it really costs to say "I do."

Joining Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM is Kholod El Amrani, Founder of The HY Soiree Events, to discuss how weddings are changing, where couples are spending less, and whether celebrity weddings influence what people want for their own big day.

Fitch Ratings has revised its Gulf banking sector outlook to deteriorating, warning that structural health relies on a sustained US-Iran ceasefire. Whilst capital buffers protect lenders, macroeconomic slowdowns will depress credit growth. Tim Elliott speaks to Redmond Ramsdale, Senior Director, Head of Middle East Bank Ratings and Islamic Banking.

Tim Elliott sits down with De Montfort University Dubai Provost, Simon Bradbury, to discuss groundbreaking financial relief initiatives. The interview analyses how newly launched tuition scholarships are making British higher education more accessible, reshaping regional student recruitment strategies, and reducing the financial burden for families navigating the Emirates' evolving academic landscape.

GCC investor interest in UK property has surged by 16%, driven by regional conflicts and a desire to mitigate risk. While London’s Westminster remains a prime target, buyers are heavily diversifying into Manchester and Birmingham. Hamish McAllister, Senior UK Property Consultant - Middle East at Select Property, joins Tim Elliott to discuss the massive shift towards completed, income-generating turnkey assets.

As passenger services officially commence on the Etihad Rail network, host Tim Elliott sits down with Mackenzie Jones Middle East MD David Mackenzie to dissect how mass transit will reshape the regional economy. The discussion highlights how high-speed rail could alleviate surging urban rental stresses and transform the daily commute.

US non-farm payrolls came in significantly lower than expected, dampening aggressive interest rate hike noise and sparking a massive overnight gold rally back to $4,200. Presenter Tim Elliott checks in with Monetary Metals' Jeff Rhodes to discuss the commodity's decoupling from traditional correlations and its long-term bullish outlook.