Morning Drive

Tim Elliott hosts a dual-perspective look at urban innovation. Amy Hoechadel, VP of the Urban Lab, discusses transforming Expo City Dubai into a "real-world test bed" where government, academia, and industry collaborate to solve complex urban challenges like extreme heat. Complementing this, William Slabbert explores nature-based "greening" strategies to enhance livability. Together, they explain how trialling technologies in a live city environment creates a scalable blueprint for sustainable future cities, bridging the gap between innovative research and the global marketplace.

Tim Elliott sits down with Ajay Menon, the visionary CEO of Luxe Vista Properties. They explore a surprising catalyst for growth in the UAE property market: the tightening of H1B visa regulations in the United States. Ajay discusses how new $100,000 application fees and wage-weighted priorities are redirecting global talent from India and China toward Dubai. Discover why American universities and tech giants are expanding their footprint in the Emirates, creating a massive new wave of demand for local real estate.

Join Tim Elliott on today’s Morning Drive as he welcomes Jeff Rhodes, CEO of Goldstrom Advisory, to analyse an unprecedented week in the precious metals market. Jeff describes the recent volatility as the most amazing period he has ever witnessed, with silver reaching a staggering $84. The discussion debunks widespread rumours regarding Chinese export bans, clarifying that dozens of companies remain licensed to export silver in a controlled manner. From London’s wintry climes, Jeff offers expert insight into these historic price movements and explains why recent market alarms might be based on incorrect information.

Tim Elliott sits down with Professor Preslav Nakov, Department Chair of Natural Language Processing at MBZUAI, to discuss the revolutionary launch of JAIS. Recognised as the world's largest Arabic-centric open-weight AI model, JAIS represents a significant milestone for the UAE's technological sovereignty. Professor Nakov explains the model's unique architecture, which prioritises Arabic cultural nuances and regional dialects over traditional English-first frameworks. We explore the bilingual capabilities of this 70-billion-parameter model and its potential to transform regional business, government services, and tech entrepreneurship.

Join Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM as he welcomes Ahmad Ali, the visionary founder of Emirati Food Geeks. In this episode, Ahmad reflects on the extraordinary growth of Dubai’s gastronomy in 2025 and shares his expert outlook for the year ahead. From the rise of homegrown Emirati brands to why Dubai’s burger scene now rivals London’s, they explore the flavours defining the city. Ahmad also discusses his unique approach to storytelling and why positive engagement is the secret ingredient for any successful restaurant in this global food hub.

Tim Elliott sits down with Abhishek Jalan, CEO of Grovy Developers, to analyse the shifting landscape of the UAE real estate sector as we approach 2026. Drawing on five decades of family expertise in Delhi’s mature market, Abhishek discusses why the current climate represents a healthy stabilisation rather than a slowdown. We explore key indicators such as rental yield corrections and rising construction costs, alongside the remarkable evolution of communities like Jumeirah Village Circle. Discover what this period of maturity means for future investors and homeowners.

Tim Elliott explores the shifting media landscape of the UAE with award-winning executive producer Reim El Houni. Despite the rapid rise of digital platforms, Reim argues that traditional television remains incredibly relevant in the MENA region due to its enduring credibility and high production standards. She discusses why guests still prefer a TV studio over a YouTube set and the continued importance of "appointment viewing" for shared live experiences like New Year’s Eve. From her "Ditch the Silver" boot camp to producing large-scale broadcasts, Reim provides a masterclass on consistency and content strategy.

Could you survive six months without a salary? In this essential episode of Morning Drive, presenter Tim Elliott and financial expert Michele Carby discuss the one financial tool that stands between you and a "debt trap"—the emergency fund. Michele breaks down her "rule of thumb" for building a robust safety net, advising that every resident should aim for a reserve of three to six months' salary to handle life’s unforeseen events.

Join Tim Elliott on the Morning Drive as he welcomes Ajay Menon, the CEO of Luxe Vista Real Estate, to explore the current dynamics of Dubai’s property sector. Menon provides a compelling case for why investors should prioritse townhouses and villas over apartments, citing a significant scarcity that is projected to intensify by 2030. The conversation delves into market ratios, capital appreciation, and the long-term value of larger residential areas.

Tim Elliott explores the question: where does wood in the UAE come from? Alex George, Managing Director of Al Ostad Pallet Factory, explains that with no local forests, the industry is pivoting its supply chains to meet modern sustainability standards. We discuss the shift from traditional European sources like Germany and Romania towards sustainable plantations in Latin America. The conversation covers the importance of "clean timber" documentation, the rise of RFID tracking for FMCG goods, and how the industrial sector is preparing for mandatory carbon audits.