Morning Drive

Dubai is doubling down on confidence. After the recent regional conflict, government leaders brought businesses together to protect the emirate's status as a global hub, while launching the new Dubai-it campaign to reinforce resilience and growth. So, what can every business, from startups to SMEs, learn when uncertainty becomes the new normal? Joining Tim Elliott is startup investor and serial entrepreneur Ellen Mannaert, with practical insights on leading through disruption, making smarter decisions, and finding opportunities when the future feels unpredictable.

As regional developments drive Dubai fuel prices up by 30 per cent, resident motorists face escalating costs. On Mira Business FM, independent financial consultant James Thomas joins Tim Elliott to analyse the true cost of vehicle ownership, breaking down surging insurance premiums, registration fees, Salik tolls, and the financial reality of switching to electric vehicles.

As economic pressure mounts, can transparent narrative marketing save struggling UAE businesses? Plug’s Brand Commander, Lucy Bradley, joins Tim Elliott to discuss her ‘Save a Soap’ masterclass. They discuss why slashing marketing budgets is a fatal mistake, how friction fuels raw creativity, and why relying on internal teams often stifles innovation.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector has visualised dramatic growth, generating over 82 billion rials in Q1 2026. Whilst international visitor numbers fell due to regional instability, a high-spending luxury threshold offset low volumes. Kevin Duffield, Director of Built Asset Consulting at Cavendish Maxwell, joins Tim Elliott to analyse how maturing infrastructure, religious tourism, and entertainment sectors are driving massive spending.

It’s the ultimate Dubai dilemma: is it better to buy property or keep renting? While calculators and spreadsheets can crunch the upfront costs, the true decision goes far deeper than just financial metrics. In this segment, Ajay Menon, CEO of Luxe Vista, joins the show to look beyond the Excel sheet. We explore the lifestyle factors, long-term stability, and market psychological shifts driving residents to transition from tenants to homeowners in 2026.

The UAE has announced a ban on social media access for children under 15, a move that could reshape the way brands market, advertise and connect with young consumers. Could it change consumer behaviour, influence family spending habits, and force marketers to rethink their strategies? Joining Tim Elliott are Sourjo Mukherjee, Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Wollongong Dubai, Lourds Adalia-Evertse, Founder of Drippy, and tech journalist Kevin Sebastian.

As luxury timepieces increasingly transition from status symbols to genuine financial assets in the UAE, a pioneering buyback model is transforming the regional market. George Flo, Founder of The Heritage Club, joins Tim Elliott to discuss unlocking immediate liquidity from high-end timepieces while preserving the option for sentimental repossession.

As Middle East peace developments and oil prices reshape the region, gold markets face a fresh wave of volatility. Monetary Metals' Jeff Rhodes joins Tim Elliott to analyse how a surprise hawkish stance from the US Federal Open Market Committee is rattling investor sentiment globally.

New analysis reveals a comfortable retirement now demands a staggering £1.2 million pension pot. Independent Financial Consultant James Thomas joins Tim Elliott on Mirabisis FM to unpack this sobering figure. They explore soaring property markets, shifting global demographics, and crucial strategies to help you secure your financial future.

The UAE is moving to cut its dependency on the Strait of Hormuz to zero, as concerns over regional security and supply chain resilience remain in focus. What would that mean for trade, energy exports and the wider economy? Joining Tim Elliott is Dr Lijo John, Assistant Professor in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University Dubai.

Luxury travel demand from the Gulf is surging ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with private aviation company XO reporting a 145% rise in multi-city travel enquiries across the US, Canada and Mexico. Travellers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar are increasingly combining football, business and family travel into longer North America itineraries. Joining Tim Elliott to explain the trend is Youssef Mouallem, Chief Business Officer at Vista.

Dubai’s off-plan property sector continues to thrive, offering exciting new opportunities for global investors. Luxe Vista Properties CEO Ajay Menon joins Tim Elliott to explore how Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are shaping the market, revealing how these strategic deposits grant savvy buyers early access to prime developments and help top developers successfully gauge high-demand trends for upcoming luxury launches.

International market volatility and rising living costs are triggering a major shift in retirement planning. Speaking on Mira Business FM, Michele Carby, Founder of The Michele Carby Practice, joins Tim Elliott to analyse critical pension blind spots. Carby challenges the dangerous misconception that home country provisions remain sufficient for modern expatriates.