The Agenda

Hundreds of ships stranded in the Gulf due to the conflict are now battling barnacles, algae and rising maintenance problems as crews remain stuck at sea for weeks in warm waters.

So when they finally can get moving - will they be able to? We'll find out.

And former Paypal CEO Peter Thiel is investing $140 million into a US company developing floating AI data centres - powered by wave energy in the open ocean. 

But will the tech work? We'll ask an offshore and subsea energy expert.

Google is reinventing Search with AI assistants and smart glasses - but as wearable cameras become mainstream again, privacy concerns are growing over how the technology could be used in everyday life.

Dubai’s private school fees will be frozen next academic year as part of a 2.5 billion dirham KHDA support package, but what does that mean for parents, schools, teachers and Dubai’s wider education sector?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation is warning that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global food price crisis within a year.

With Eid and half term creating a full week off for many families across the UAE, we’re looking at how to make the most of the break - from staycation ideas and hidden gems, to family activities closer to home.

Meanwhile, new research from Al Ain suggests we may need a proper holiday every two months to recover from stress and avoid burnout.

And as school’s out, we’ll explore how holiday camps are moving beyond childcare - with programmes now designed to build creativity, confidence and real-world skills.

plus, we’ll also hear from a US bioscience company working to bring extinct animals back to life - after it developed an artificial eggshell that can support bird embryos outside a natural egg.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Eid and summer holidays coming up, plenty of residents will be looking for a quick getaway, a hotel stay, or a last-minute travel deal online. Dubai Police have warned that fake travel and tourism offers are circulating online, often promoted through slick-looking websites, social media pages, messaging apps and phone calls. So how do you know whether that bargain break is genuine, or a scam designed to catch you out?

New trade routes are opening up across the region - due to the conflict. We look at what actually has to happen on the ground to make these new corridors work in practice.

The conflict in the region has caused a major disruption to international aviation, with a number of foreign carriers suspending, reducing or rerouting flights as airlines reassessed safety, airspace access, insurance requirements and operational risk. Now, we’re starting to see a gradual and uneven return.

At NYU Abu Dhabi, a student-led start-up is working on technology that could make everyday communication more accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

And what if a paint could help keep the building cooler, reduce the need for air conditioning, and even collect water from the air?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ll look at the next wave of mega communities - from Fujairah’s new Etihad Rail station to a 62 billion dirham development in Dubai South near the new airport. What do these projects tell us about where the country is heading next?

Plus, Tabby is moving into education with Zenda, after a survey found 88% of UAE parents feel financial strain when school fees are due. So could flexible payment plans change how families manage the rising cost of education?

Dubai is investing one billion dirhams into a new international space cooperation programme. His Excellency Salem Humaid Al Murri, Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, joins us to explain how it could boost the UAE economy.

And after the success of Jackie Chan’s Vanguard and Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan, Dubai is pitching itself as a global filming destination at the Cannes Film Festival. But what could that mean for local filmmakers?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From June 1st, 2026, private sector salaries in the UAE will need to be paid by the first day of every month, and the big change is this: the 15-day grace period for late salary payments is being removed. We look at both the employees and employers sides.

KHDA and Parkin have announced a new partnership to digitise access to parking permits for Dubai’s education sector. So what will actually change for schools, parents, staff and students, and when will people start to feel the difference?

We get the latest on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and how it affects travel and travellers alike.

And the 2026 World Cup is just 23 days away, and there is one part of the tournament that most of us will barely notice, unless something goes wrong.

The grass.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shipping costs between Asia and the Gulf are now surging above pandemic highs - as companies scramble to reroute cargo around the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Plus with Eid Al Adha fast approaching - Dubai is preparing for a packed week with fireworks, concerts and, shopping deals across the city. Katie Chambers' will catch up with the team from Dubai Festivals.

But what if you’re planning to travel? We’ll get inspiration and discuss trends for both Eid and the summer.

Meanwhile, a Dubai startup is helping residents buy surplus food from major brands at discounts of up to 70 per cent in a bid to tackle waste and cut living costs.

And OpenAI wants ChatGPT to help you manage your money. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As some parents face salary cuts or job losses linked to the conflict, certain Dubai schools are offering flexible payment plans to help families manage fees.

Plus, Abu Dhabi is preparing to host the world’s second Sphere venue on Yas Island.

And Dubai is rolling out AI-powered parking cameras - as we ask whether modern connected cars are effectively spying on drivers.

And Art Dubai opens for its 20th edition, while Abu Dhabi offers free access to museums and cultural attractions - so what does that tell us about the UAE’s cultural ambitions?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the UAE lowering the age of adulthood to 18 from June 1, we ask what that means for teenagers and their parents.

This year’s best country rankings are out, with Switzerland taking the top spot and Europe dominating the list.

Closer to home, we look at why the UAE scores highly for digital nomads, business and governance.

We also explore a new well-being survey suggesting UAE residents remain optimistic despite regional tensions - but ask whether rising financial pressures could shift that mood.

The World Health Organisation is warning countries to stay alert over a possible rise in hantavirus cases, while UAE health authorities say they are ready to deal with emerging health threats.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry is reminding private sector companies in the UAE to meet a key Emiratisation deadline, with penalties for those who fail to meet their targets.

HE Farida Al Ali from Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will talk us through their carrot and stick policy.

UAE residents planning last-minute European holidays are facing a severe Schengen visa appointment crunch, with high demand, limited capacity and rising costs making travel harder to secure.

Meanwhile worrying numbers - road accidents are rising sharply, up by 23% in 2025. Road safey expert Thomas Edelman will explain as more than half a million new drivers and 850,000 newly registered vehicles added pressure to the country’s roads.

Meanwhile Abu Dhabi is opening its doors to culture with free museum access, while Art Dubai kicks off this weekend. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We'll be discussing the wider impact of the war on workers - from sailors trapped in the Strait of Hormuz on stranded ships - to blue collar workers here who might be concerned about job security and getting paid.

Meanwhile - the UAE is investing over one billion dirhams in a new desalination plant in Fujairah - we'll discuss the significance of the plan in the context of the country's long-term water security.

And Ras Al Khaimah launches a new astronaut training programme, we'll discuss the changing face of tourism in the Emirate with the development authority.

Plus President Trump is travelling to China today for a much-anticipated summit with President Xi. Now China gets nearly all its oil from Iran - so could these talks help solve the problems in the Strait of Hormuz?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.