Morning Drive

Many private sector employees in the UAE are unaware of how their end-of-service gratuity is calculated or how recent legislative updates affect their payout. In this segment of The Morning Drive, independent financial consultant James Thomas breaks down the core rules governing UAE gratuities.

Dubai’s event calendar is packed with conferences, exhibitions and networking events, leaving businesses with more choices but also a bigger question: where is the real value? Julie Hanse, Business Developer for MENA at Le Book, joins us to discuss how companies can choose the right events, make meaningful connections and get better returns from their participation.

October 1 marks Longevity Day, and Dubai is putting healthy ageing and quality of life firmly on the agenda. The emirate’s new longevity strategy is expected to contribute more than Dh35 billion to the economy over the next decade. At the same time, Dubai’s property market is seeing buyers think beyond price and rental returns. Knight Frank found that 83% of surveyed global HNWIs are interested in buying land in Dubai to build their own home. So, is quality of life becoming the new ROI in UAE real estate? We’re joined by Igor Karpikov, Chief Commercial Officer at R.Evolution and an expert in longevity living, to explore what this could mean for the future of Dubai property.

The global halal economy is now a $2.6 trillion market, spanning food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fashion, travel and media. But behind that growth is a critical business question: how do companies ensure halal integrity across increasingly complex global supply chains? We explore the business of halal logistics, certification and supply chain management with Dr. Marco Tieman, CEO of HSC Alliance and an internationally recognised expert in halal supply chains and halal ecosystems.

Nike reports earnings this Thursday, with investors looking for signs that its turnaround is gaining traction. Sales in China fell 17% in the latest quarter, while the company is also trying to rebuild its wholesale business and strengthen its product pipeline.Joining us is Josh Gilbert, Lead Analyst for APAC and the Middle East at eToro, to look at what investors should watch from Nike’s results and whether the sportswear giant can get its business back on track.

As Dubai prepares to enter the final quarter of the year, the real estate market is experiencing a structural shift. Returning buyers are negotiating harder and taking their time to secure prime deals. EVA Real Estate Senior Manager Mario Volpi joins Tim Elliott to analyse changing investor sentiment and market dynamics.

The UAE has become a major hub for founders looking to launch and scale businesses. But starting a company and leading it as it grows are two very different challenges. So what happens when a founder has to evolve into a CEO, build proper governance and make decisions at scale? We explore that with Sherif Foda, Chairman and CEO of NESR, who has built and led a multi-billion-dollar business.

Tim Elliott talks with Luxe Vista Properties CEO Ajay Menon to unpack UBS's latest Global Real Estate Bubble Index. Exploring key affordability metrics, rental yields, and shifting price-to-income ratios, they examine why Dubai presents elevated market risks whilst remaining one of the world's most attractive global property bargains.

The GCC is set for a major expansion in hotel supply, with nearly 126,000 new rooms expected by 2030. But occupancy has fallen across the region in 2026 as demand adjusts to regional conditions. We’re joined by Zacky Sajjad, Director of Business Development and Client Relations at Cavendish Maxwell, to look at what’s happening across the GCC hospitality market and what could shape the recovery.

Abu Dhabi has launched the Gulf region’s first Digital Skills Card, allowing employers to verify professional skills and qualifications through a QR code and blockchain technology. As hiring becomes more skills-focused and AI reshapes the workplace, the bigger question is whether a CV and course certificates are still enough to prove what someone can actually do. Joining us is Stéphanie Reniers, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Gentis. She has led Gentis’ expansion across the Middle East and Africa from Dubai and is also the co-founder of Wiggli, an AI-enabled hiring platform.