Morning Drive

Tim Elliott talks to transport expert Martin Tillman (TMP Consult) about the UAE’s traffic "conundrum." As the population hits 10 million, why do more roads often lead to more cars? They explore why the solution to congestion isn't more asphalt, but "moving people" through the Metro Blue Line, Etihad Rail, and smarter urban design.

As the UAE enters its busiest travel window of the year—from Christmas getaways to New Year's staycations—the short-term rental market is facing unprecedented pressure to deliver seamless, five-star guest experiences. Katherine Read, founder of the Short Stay Circle, joins presenter Tim Elliott on Morning Drive to discuss how operators are juggling surging demand with the complexities of pricing, tech, and compliance. Katherine shares insights into why trust and collaboration have become the industry's most valuable currencies during peak season and how the market is evolving to cater to a new wave of "Dubai curious" summer travelers.

Luxe Vista CEO Ajay Menon joins Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM to unpick the phenomenon of branded residences. Dubai is home to the highest number globally, but are buyers paying a premium for genuine luxury, an elevated lifestyle, or simply status? Menon explains how non-property brands, from car makers to global icons like Shah Rukh Khan, are adding unique appeal to the property market.

A new report confirms the UAE is number one in the MENA region and fifth globally for crypto adoption. In this special interview on Mira Business FM, XTrends Co-founder, Benjamin Notini, explores the strong regulatory clarity, zero taxes on crypto activity, and rising retail participation that are fueling the country's rapid ascent as a global blockchain hub.

Global Oil and Gas Expert Karan Gupta joins Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM to analyse the energy dilemma. They discuss the necessity of investment in traditional fuels to maximise supply security, the political realities of the energy transition, and how geopolitics is shaping every policy decision. A vital listen on the future of energy security.

Psychologist Hiba Salem joins Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM to analyse the hidden cost of the 'culture of busyness'—employee burnout. As companies review their books, they discuss staggering figures: burnout costs a typical 1,000-employee organisation $5 million annually in lost productivity and turnover. Globally, mental health losses top $1 trillion. Learn how to tackle this major drain on profit.

Dr Ramzi Ben Ouaghrem of the Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence speaks with Tim Elliott about the new Institute for Agriculture and AI (IAAI), launched in partnership with the Gates Foundation. The IAAI focuses on deploying open-access AI models and digital advisory tools at scale to support over 43 million smallholder farmers, tackling data relevance issues and boosting food security, sustainability, and global development in the Global South. This initiative brings AI out of the laboratory and into the field.

In this insightful interview on Mira Business FM, Paras Raichura, Founder and CEO of PNDigital, joins presenter Tim Elliott to discuss the latest trends and essential strategies for digital transformation. Learn how businesses can effectively implement new technologies, foster a culture of innovation, and strategically leverage digital tools to maintain a competitive edge and drive sustainable growth in the fast-paced modern economy.

Tim Elliott speaks to Dr. Stavroula Kalogeras, MBA Programme Director at Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, about the role of Generative AI in marketing. They analyse the overwhelming public backlash to McDonald's AI-generated Christmas campaign in the Netherlands, discussing why it failed to connect emotionally. The discussion covers the importance of consistent brand behaviour and authentic storytelling for big brands experimenting with emerging technology.

Century Financial's Chief Market Analyst, Arun Leslie John, joins Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM to analyse if the AI tech boom is a "super cycle" or a bubble, contrasting it with the dot-com era. Discussion covers the bullish outlook for 2026, cooling inflation, and how geopolitical volatility is shaping key investment themes like European defence spending and the institutional push for gold.