Morning Drive

Mario Volpi joins Tim Elliott to analyse whether the rapid price appreciation in Ras Al Khaimah has outpaced its value. They discuss the impact of the upcoming casino, why "activity doesn’t always mean opportunity", and how to distinguish between genuine long-term wealth building and the dangerous hype of a heated market.

Live at Intersec 2026, Andy Mackay, Head of EMEA Marketing at Genetec, speaks to Tim Elliott about the shifting global security landscape. They discuss how physical security is transitioning from a traditional cost centre into a strategic business investment. Mackay explores the power of unified platforms over simple integration and explains how innovations in AI and hybrid cloud are helping organisations in the Middle East and beyond achieve greater operational resilience and business continuity.

Tim Elliott is joined by Jazz Ferguson, a professional basketball player and mental performance coach with over fifteen years of international experience. Jazz shares how the high-pressure world of elite sport provides a blueprint for senior leaders and executives seeking sustainable success. We discuss practical strategies for building confidence through repetition, the "game film" approach to corporate leadership, and how to use setbacks as fuel for growth. Discover the mindset shifts required to turn potential burnout into a professional breakthrough.

Tim Elliott sits down with Ajay Menon, CEO of Luxe Vista Properties, to scrutinise the validity of Dubai’s real estate rankings. They explore why investors must look beyond absolute figures and perform their own due diligence rather than taking data at face value. 

Tim Elliott is joined by Nolwenn Allano, Chief Commercial Officer at EIRS Digital Insurance Ecosystem, to discuss the dramatic growth within the Middle Eastern insurance market. With the UAE’s gross written premiums surging by 21% to nearly 65 billion dirhams, Allano identifies the UAE and Saudi Arabia as the primary drivers of this expansion.

Tim Elliott sits down with Jadd Elliott Dib, the founder and CEO of Pangaea X. They explore how his AI-powered data ecosystem is revolutionising traditional decision-making through gamified competitions. Jad shares his journey from a Deloitte consultant to an award-winning tech entrepreneur, discussing the power of crowdsourcing solutions for real-world business challenges. Recognising the importance of bridging the gap between human intelligence and AI, he explains why organisations should favour public innovation to improve operational efficiency and foster community-led problem-solving.

Buckle up for a brand-new era on Mira Business FM! Tim Elliott welcomes Dr David Tully to the Morning Drive to announce the launch of his highly anticipated show, Crossroads. Co-hosted by Deema Maghalseh, the programme explores the vibrant intersection of business, entertainment, and the global media industry. Fresh from a "Winter Wonderland" holiday in New York, Tully shares his vision—from the grit of film production to the art of scriptwriting. This collaboration with Middlesex University Dubai provides expert analysis of the entertainment sector’s commercial heart, making it an essential guide for every media professional and film enthusiast.

Tim Elliott analyses the commercial explosion of the Korean food sector with Chang Sup Shin, CEO of 1004 Gourmet. Far from a fleeting trend, K-Food has transitioned into a highly profitable retail category in the UAE, with South Korean noodle exports surging 22% in 2025 to reach a record $1.5 billion. The discussion explores how 1004 Gourmet capitalised on rising consumer awareness and the introduction of Halal-certified Hanwoo beef to scale its operations. We examine the strategic shifts in distribution that have solidified Korea’s culinary influence across the Emirates.

Tim Elliott sits down with Bobby and Zeenia Kamani to explore their fascinating transition from corporate careers to founding the bespoke travel firm, Zia Travel Atelier. Zeenia, previously a high-level IP lawyer, and Bobby, a hospitality industry veteran, share how they moved their headquarters to Dubai to scale their unique vision. They discuss the "business pivot," turning a lifelong passion for planning excursions for friends into a professional venture focused on curated, experiential travel. Discover how their focus on conservation and high-quality service defines their brand.

In this episode of Morning Drive, Tim Elliott welcomes David MacKenzie, the founder of MacKenzie Jones, to discuss the evolving landscape of recruitment and human resources . David shares candid insights into managing company culture, highlighting his decision to grant staff extra leave over the festive period to ensure they returned revitalised . The conversation explores current market challenges, including significant delays in Saudi Arabia’s Q4 recruitment due to PIF budget realignments . David also emphasises the importance of the candidate experience, from the initial reception to the final interview stage, offering essential advice for modern employers