Morning Drive

Mario Volpi joins Tim Elliott to analyse how the Dubai property market is reacting to recent regional events. Volpi shares expert insights into buyer sentiment, the resilience of the UAE's infrastructure, and potential shifts in rental prices, offering a measured perspective on the sector's future.

With rising tensions involving Israel, Iran and the United States, markets across the region are reacting — and here in the United Arab Emirates, many professionals are asking a very practical question: what does this mean for my job search?

So — what to do, what not to do, and how to stay proactive without appearing insensitive to the wider situation. Joining Tim Elliott is Zachary Beckett, Talent Partner at Professional Pyramid, to share what candidates should be thinking about right now.

Tim Elliott interviews cybersecurity leader Stephen Mariott regarding a surge in sophisticated scams. Fraudsters are impersonating Dubai authorities to steal sensitive UAE Pass and Emirates ID details, leading to SIM swap fraud. Listen to learn essential strategies to protect your digital identity and secure your personal bank accounts.

Tim Elliott speaks with Mark Mortimer Davies, CEO at Choithrams GCC, about the stability of the UAE’s grocery supply chain. Following government reassurances, Davies confirms that Choithrams maintains approximately fifty days of essential stock. They discuss integrated distribution networks and why social media-driven panic buying is unnecessary.

Tim Elliott discusses the legal and reputational risks of spreading misinformation with Nigel Sillitoe, CEO of Insight Discovery, and Dino Wilkinson, partner and head of the Middle East technology and data law practice at Baker McKenzie. Following regional tensions, they examine how sharing unverified content can lead to criminal penalties under UAE federal law.

Tim Elliott sits down with Abigail Mathias, editor of Global Supply Chain Magazine, to analyse the immediate logistics impact of regional tensions in the UAE. They explore how networks absorb shocks, the critical prioritisation of high-value cargo during airspace closures, and the resulting ripple effects on freight pricing and delivery schedules across the Gulf.

Tim Elliott discusses escalating tensions in the global energy market with global oil and gas expert Karan Gupta. They analyse recent reported disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for a fifth of global crude. Gupta explains how satellite imagery confirms traffic flow issues, driving Brent prices above $82 a barrel.

Tim Elliott sits down with Scott Wilcox, Founder of Sicuro Group, to analyse the escalating Middle East tensions. They discuss the critical impact of airspace closures on corporate travel and how business leaders must prioritise employee safety and supply chain stability amidst rising operational costs and real-time regional challenges.

Katherine Read (Founder, Short Stay Circle) and Jerin George (Commercial Partnerships & Account Lead - UAE & KSA, Stella Stays) join Tim Eliott to explore the surge in Dubai and KSA's short-term rental market. They discuss why holiday homes are becoming cost-effective alternatives to rising hotel rates, the impact of new residents, and the evolving lifestyle trend of local staycations.

Jeff Rhodes (Principal Consultant of Rhodes Precious Metals) joins Tim Elliott to discuss gold’s recent consolidation following extreme volatility. They analyse how the market is reacting to the new global tariffs.