Morning Drive

While regional tensions persist, Anton Lopatin of Fitch Ratings explains to Tim Elliott why the UAE banking sector remains fundamentally resilient. This episode highlights the robust capital cushions and strong profitability that provide a vital safety net, showcasing how local institutions are well-positioned to navigate hypothetical stress scenarios and maintain economic stability.

Gold expert Jeff Rhodes joins Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM to analyse Dubai's strengthening position as a global business hub following a billion-dirham government support package. Fresh from North America, Rhodes discusses why Dubai remains the perfect centre for international trade.

In this episode, multimedia journalist Izadora Del Bianco discusses a shifting professional landscape where UAE residents are trading home offices for hotels to boost concentration. Beyond hospitality trends, the discussion explores intensifying cross-border activity, highlighting how regional professionals are increasingly pivoting to capture emerging business opportunities within the Saudi market.

Justin Harper, Editor of CEO Middle East, joins Tim Elliott to discuss the remarkable optimism within the UAE’s commercial landscape. Highlighting the region’s unique ability to flourish despite global pressures, Harper explores how local businesses are successfully pivoting, showcasing a robust resilience that continues to fuel long-term growth and entrepreneurial success.

As diesel prices surge by 72%, UAE retailers face a critical margin pressure test. Tim Elliott sits down with Mark Mortimer-Davies, CEO of Choithrams, to discuss the logistical reshuffle caused by global conflict, the stability of national food stocks, and why shopping locally has become a financial necessity.

Now, what happens when the music stops… literally? Dubai’s iconic Coca-Cola Arena is facing that exact challenge. With concerts slowing down, the venue is pivoting in a big way, turning to shopping festivals and corporate events to keep the doors open and the energy alive. Joining Tim Elliott is Mark Jan Kar, General Manager of Coca-Cola Arena, the man leading this transformation.

Recent geopolitical tensions have targeted critical digital infrastructure, with physical strikes on data centres in Bahrain serving as a regional wake-up call. Tim Elliott speaks with Naji Salameh, CEO of IT Max Global, to examine why disaster recovery has transitioned from an IT support function to a critical board-level priority. As threats shift from virtual to physical, Salameh outlines why resilience is now a fundamental matter of business survival.

On Morning Drive, Tim Elliott speaks with independent financial consultant James Thomas about building wealth through disciplined investing, market awareness, and strategic risk-taking. They unpack business news, inflation pressures, interest rates, and practical steps listeners can use to grow assets, manage debt, and make smarter financial decisions in uncertain times.

Tim Elliott speaks with David Mackenzie, Managing Director of Mackenzie Jones Middle East, about leadership growth, practical guidance, and building high performing teams. They discuss how structured support, honest feedback, and purposeful development can unlock potential and create lasting professional impact today.

In an era of economic volatility, are diamonds truly a safe haven? CEO & Founder of Magnat Family DCMM and Diamond expert Rodion Ksonzenko joins Tim Elliott to deconstruct the soaring popularity of lab-grown stones versus the enduring value of natural gems. Rodion shares why the most elite investment portfolios prioritise high-carat rarity to ensure long-term capital preservation.