Morning Drive

Halima Jumani, CEO of Kibsons, joins Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM. Hear her inspiring story of scaling the UAE's leading fresh food delivery service from a simple spreadsheet to a massive e-commerce operation. Learn about her finance-first approach, the strategic use of AI for cutting food waste, and her philosophy of empathetic, people-first leadership that defines the company culture and its commitment to sustainability.

Tim Elliott discusses a career in medicine with Dr. Mufaza Asrar Rashid, a Family Medicine Consultant trained in the UK's NHS. Dr. Mufaza, based in Dubai, shares her holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on preventive medicine and healthy lifestyle promotion. The discussion covers the management of chronic conditions (like Diabetes and Hypertension), the importance of healthy nutrition, mental health support, and providing comprehensive care for the entire family, from children to the elderly, in the UAE.

Tim Elliott is joined by Jeff Rhodes, CEO of Goldstrom Advisory and a leading expert on precious metals, to analyze the current state of the gold market. Jeff discusses the recent record-setting performance of gold, explaining the forces behind the metal's stable bull run, including significant buying from central banks, global dollar diversification, and the return of institutional interest via ETF inflows. He provides crucial insights for investors navigating market volatility.

Tim Elliott talks to H.E. Abdoulie Jobe, The Gambia's Minister of Tourism, about his country's ambitious strategy for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into its vibrant tourism and hospitality sector. The Minister shares insights on key infrastructure development projects, the importance of air connectivity, and promoting the "Smiling Coast of Africa" as a premier global destination to the Middle East market.

Tim Elliott talks to Jacek Ziomek, Manager of X Motors, about the electric vehicle (EV) revolution accelerating in the UAE. Jacek discusses the company's expansion plans, the challenges of EV infrastructure

Host Tim Elliott interviews Dr. Alain Baron, founder of Numismatica Genevensis SA, a world-leading numismatic institution. Alain shares the secret value of rare coins as a tangible asset, discussing the history they reveal and their role in a diversified investment portfolio. Learn about the burgeoning market for Islamic coinage and why coins are the ultimate link between history and wealth.

Host Tim Elliott welcomes Graeme & Leanne Carling, founders of The Carling Group, to discuss building a powerful family investment office. They reveal their strategies for scaling massive wealth, balancing a partnership in business, and leaving a lasting legacy.

Tim Elliott interviews Personal Branding Expert Kelly Lundberg on how entrepreneurs and leaders can build an authentic, influential brand to maximize their income and impact. They discuss the power of storytelling, achieving digital dominance, and the essential blueprint for career reinvention in the competitive UAE market and globally. Stop playing small—it's time to own your story!

Mira Business FM's Tim Elliott sits down with Mario Volpe, Senior VP of Allegiance Real Estate, for a deep dive into the sector's current dynamics. Hear directly from Mario on how the real estate side of the hospitality industry is performing, where investors are looking next, and the critical trends driving the market right now. This is a must-watch for anyone involved in property, development, or hotel investment.

We feature a highlight interview with a true pioneer of the region's hospitality industry, Gerald Lawless, Ambassador for the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the celebrated former CEO of Jumeirah. Despite claiming to be "fully retired", Gerald joins the show to discuss why he's busier than ever and shares his unparalleled insights on the evolution of travel in the Middle East.

We are joined by our returning expert guest, Jeff Rhodes, CEO of Goldstrom Advisory, to dive into the massive, ongoing surge in the gold market. Gold has been hitting historic all-time highs, recently pushing past the $4,381 per ounce mark! Jeff breaks down why this bull run is different, detailing how major central banks have become key players in a significant dollar diversification effort that's propelling prices. We also analyze the recent volatility, including the selling pressure that followed the record high, and look at the strong return of ETF inflows, signaling renewed institutional interest. If you're invested in precious metals or looking for safe-haven assets, this is a must-watch!

Join us for an insightful episode of The Morning Drive featuring our distinguished guest, Jiacek Ziomek, Manager of X Motors! Jiacek shares his incredible journey in the automotive industry, tracing his roots from Poland and his early days working with iconic Italian brands like Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Ferrari, and Lamborghini. We dive deep into essential topics, including the significance of World Environmental Health Day and a fascinating discussion on his approach to risk management in both business and life. Don't miss this conversation on passion, cars, and making strategic moves!

This week, host Tim Elliott is joined by special guest Jeff Rhodes, CEO of Goldstrom Advisory, to dissect the recent volatility and record-setting performance of the gold market. Gold has been experiencing its most stable bull run in years, but this past week brought significant movement. Jeff breaks down the shallow pullbacks seen recently and the major rally on Monday which pushed the precious metal to a new all-time high of $4,381.

Presenter Tim Elliott is joined by Independent Financial Consultant, James Thomas. The main topic is a major legal decision affecting personal finance in the region: the UAE Supreme Court ruling that officially bans compound interest on bank loans. James Thomas breaks down the core difference between simple and compound interest and what this landmark ruling means for existing borrowers and future loans in the Emirates. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how interest works to ensure it works in your favor. Tune in for essential insights and a clear explanation of this crucial financial news.

Welcome back to The Morning Drive! We are joined by Muzammil Shaikh the technology consultant, to discuss a major event that shook the digital world: the Amazon Cloud Service outage on Monday. This disruption impacted a vast array of popular apps, websites, banks, gaming platforms, and entertainment services. Muzammil breaks down what actually happened and what the technical cause was. More importantly, we dive into the critical topic of business continuity and why companies must have redundancy plans for their most important systems. We also explore the challenge of proving and quantifying damages to a provider like Amazon, and what the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) truly cover. This is a must-watch for any business owner operating in the cloud!

We are joined by Nour Abdelaal, the Managing Director of Space Live Productions. Nour is on the show to discuss the evolving landscape and future of live streaming. In this interview, Tim Elliott talks to Nour Abdelaal who shares his impressive journey, starting with his background in filmmaking and digital production and storytelling at the American University of Dubai's Mohammed bin Rashid School of Communication, where he gained experience in cinematography, directing, and producing. We explore how Space Live Productions handles every aspect of an event, from pre-production to post-event promotion, offering a comprehensive, full-service approach that can take a show from "0 to 100". This is a must-watch for anyone interested in the media industry and the power of live content!

We are joined by Justine Dampt, the co-founder of the UAE-born wellness startup Shake Your Plants (SYP). Justine's company is on a mission to redefine daily hydration by putting wellness back into the water you drink every single day. In this conversation, we dive into the concept behind Shake Your Plants—a simple sachet in a powder format —and how this innovative, plant-based product is changing the way people think about getting the hydration they need. Justine discusses the entrepreneurial journey of launching a wellness brand in the UAE and the growing global demand for clean, simple, and effective health innovations.

We're joined by Mario Volpi, the Senior VP of investment advisory at Allegiance Real Estate. Our Presenter Tim Elliott interviews Mario Volpi who is one of the most recognized and influential voices in the UAE property market, known for his regular column in a national newspaper and his highly popular Dubai Property Podcast. In this segment, we discuss the current state and future forecasts for the Dubai real estate market, covering everything an investor or homeowner needs to know about navigating this dynamic landscape.

The tech world is buzzing, with recent events like GITEX Global dominating the news here in the UAE. The biggest conversation? The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence: specifically, where it's being deployed by corporates and how it's going to fundamentally change our lives. We are joined by Presenter Tim Elliott and our guest Nasser Bostan, an AI Tech entrepreneur and the founder of Simulacra X, which is described as a next-generation cognitive cybersecurity platform. We dive into the latest AI innovations discussed at GITEX, explore the critical role of cognitive cybersecurity in protecting the future digital landscape, and discuss just how great artificial intelligence is right now.

We are joined by Sherzod Azimkulov, an investment expert who focuses exclusively on the real estate market here in Dubai and the UAE. In this half-hour segment, we dive deep into the immense impact of major infrastructure projects on the property market, starting with the Etihad Rail. Sherzod breaks down what this massive transport network means for current property owners and those thinking of investing or living here in Dubai and the wider UAE. Plus, we discuss the significant influence of the Golden Visa program on the real estate sector. Tune in for expert insights into navigating the dynamic UAE property landscape!

Joining us in the studio is Jeff Rhodes with our host Tim Elliott, CEO of Goldstrom Advisory, to discuss the massive, ongoing surge in gold. Gold has been hitting historic all-time highs, with prices reaching $4,339 per ounce last week and trading around $4,265 this morning. Jeff explains that the key difference in this rally is the involvement of "the big boys," detailing how central banks have been major buyers as part of a significant dollar diversification effort. We also look at the strong return of ETF inflows, signaling renewed institutional interest that is propelling the gold market to new levels.

Mira Business FM was on the ground at GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, the world's largest and most influential technology exhibition! Tim Elliott, brings you exclusive interviews with key representatives from major forces in the enterprise and IT solutions space: Tally Solutions: Insights into the future of cloud-based accounting, ERP solutions, and simplifying compliance for businesses across the region. Zoho: Discussions on their latest innovations in business software, the integration of cutting-edge AI across their suite, and strategies for accelerating digital growth. HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise): Detailed look at next-generation computing, hybrid cloud infrastructure, and the latest advancements in secure IT solutions. Get a front-row seat to the future of technology and enterprise solutions straight from the heart of GITEX Global 2025!

Tim Elliott interviews Jeff Rhodes, CEO of Goldstrom Advisory, to discuss the massive, ongoing rally in gold. Gold is hitting historic all-time highs, surging over 15% in the past month. Jeff explains that the difference in this current surge is that "the big boys are in". He details how central banks, particularly non-Western banks, have been the key buyers as part of a dollar diversification exercise. We also examine the return of ETF inflows, which indicates big money is flowing back into the gold market, driving prices toward $4,380 an ounce and beyond.

Joining us on the show is James Thomas, an independent financial advisor, as we tackle one of the most fundamental questions in the world of investment: active versus passive management. James helps us explore the different ways you can approach your wealth, whether you prefer to actively manage your portfolio or take a passive, long-term strategy. This conversation provides the knowledge you need to understand the fundamentals of financial planning without getting bogged down in complex detail. Learn about the different investment styles, asset classes, and vehicles that are available to you.

Joining us in the studio is Ayman Itani, Founder of Think Media Labs, a successful entrepreneur, public speaker, and digital strategist. In this discussion, we cover GITEX Global Recap: We round up the major events, initiatives, and participants from day one and day two of the massive tech exhibition. The Age of Transformation: We dive deep into the central theme of the event—AI and digital transformation. Expand North Star 2025: Ayman discusses the 10th edition of the world's largest event for startups and investors, Expand North Star, held at Dubai Harbor.

Tim Elliott kicks off the show talking real estate with one of the UAE's most respected voices! In this segment, we sit down with Mario Volpi, Senior VP of Allegiance Real Estate, who is a regular columnist for The National and a local podcaster covering all things property in the UAE. The Latest Dubai Mega-Project: Mario shares exclusive details from a major new tower launch last night, describing the scale and prime location of Sobha's new Sky Parks project on Sheikh Zayed Road—a huge 110-story, 450-meter-tall building

Muzammil Shaikh down the risks of major asset classes including cash, equities, bonds, real estate, precious metals, and cryptocurrency. Learn about fiat currency debasement, counterparty risks, liquidity challenges, and why diversification matters. From property maintenance costs to Bitcoin's unique position in the market, discover what you need to know before investing. Essential viewing for anyone looking to understand modern investment strategies and protect their wealth.

Joey Chaaya shares the journey of building PetBae from the ground up, discussing the unique challenges and opportunities in the fast-growing pet tech space. Learn about the company's vision, their strategies for engaging the modern pet owner, and how they are leveraging technology to deliver unparalleled convenience and care for our furry friends.

Tune in to The Morning Drive with Tim Elliott as he welcomes a returning guest, Jeff Rhodes, CEO of Goldstrom Advisory. Jeff, an expert on gold and precious metals, joins the studio to dissect the market's latest movements. In this segment, Jeff discusses the dramatic week for gold, which recently put up record highs. The price surged, hitting a peak of $4,059 an ounce on Wednesday. However, this new record was quickly followed by an extreme drop. Jeff explains the selling pressure that saw the price plummet from $4,058 to $3,940 in a single day.

Host Tim Elliott sits down with best friends and business partners Fira Omar Dhedhi and Jawaria Din, the co-founders of the Dubai-based fashion house, Azzy Atelier. They share the inspiring journey of how their personal hobby grew into a successful brand in Dubai. They also reveal the sweet, meaningful story behind the name Azzy Atelier, which is a blend of their children's initials. An inspiring look at friendship, motherhood, and building a thriving business in the UAE. #MorningDrive, #TimElliott, #FiraOmarDhedhi, #JawariaFira, #AzzyAtelier, #DubaiFashion

In this essential segment for investors and homeowners, Tim welcomes Mario Volpi, the Senior Vice President of Allegiance Real Estate and a highly respected voice in the UAE property sector. Mario dives into the current dynamics of the UAE real estate market. The conversation focuses on the key trends driving demand, including the continuous influx of new residents and investors to Dubai. He offers crucial insights into both the rental market and the sales market, addressing the current climate for off plan versus ready properties. Mario also provides expert guidance on making informed investment decisions in the region's rapidly evolving property landscape.

In this insightful segment Muzammil Shaikh dives deep into the current investment landscape and shares his expert analysis on the economic outlook for the region. The conversation covers key market trends, including the sectors poised for the biggest growth in the coming year and the strategies investors should adopt to navigate volatility. Muzammil provides valuable perspective on how global economic forces are influencing local business decisions in the UAE and the wider Gulf. Tune in to get the analysis you need to make smart financial decisions, directly from an industry expert!

We were delighted to host Nizar Ahmadi, the innovative Founder of MADE. He provides an exclusive look at the journey of his company, MADE, which is quickly becoming a beacon for local production and design in the Emirates. The conversation delves into the strategic decision to build a brand that emphasizes its origins—being "MADE" right here. Nizar discusses the unique challenges of developing a local supply chain in the UAE, the importance of fostering a culture of innovation within his team, and how his company is contributing to the nation's push for a more diversified and self-reliant economy.

In this segment, we are joined by a key figure in international trade: Valerio Soldani, the Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE. He joins us to discuss the powerful commercial relationship between Italy and the Emirates, specifically focusing on the massive growth of Italian exports in the UAE. He notes that Italian exports have "grown hugely" over the years, with a notable acceleration over the last year and a half. Finally, Valerio reflects on the electric energy of Dubai, noting that the pace of business life here is unlike anywhere else, allowing him to accomplish in two years what might take a decade elsewhere.

In this inspiring segment, Tim is joined by Qadreya Al Awadhi, the highly accomplished entrepreneur and founder of Bumblebee Food. Qadreya is an influential figure, not only recognized as one of the 50 most influential businesswomen in the UAE, but also known for her sharp intellect and extensive career in financial services, specializing in complex areas like credit write-ups, financial analysis, and cash flow projections. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Qadreya explains her major pivot from the world of numbers to the world of food. She shares the shocking, yet relatable, experience that sparked her entrepreneurial journey: feeding a baby food pouch that she realized was older than the baby itself! This realization fueled her passion to provide fresh, high-quality food, leading her to found Bumblebee Food. Tune in to hear how this financial expert leveraged her business acumen to create a successful food venture.

Ludmila Yamalova, the renowned US-qualified lawyer based in Dubai, popularly known as the "TikTok Lawyer". The main discussion centers around one of the most exciting developments in the Emirates: the UAE's new legislative framework for virtual assets and cryptocurrencies.

Tim Elliott welcomes Ludmila Yamalova, Founder of LY Law and a highly regarded US-qualified lawyer based in Dubai, to Mira Business FM's Morning Drive for a crucial discussion on legal matters in the UAE. Known affectionately as the "TikTok lawyer" for her accessible legal commentary, Ludmila dives straight into two new and unprecedented laws impacting the Emirate. They specifically discuss the significant new legislation, Law No. 7 of 2025, which is set to regulate contracting activities and contractors in the Emirate of Dubai. If you're a business owner, contractor, or simply interested in the UAE's evolving legal framework, this episode provides essential, high-level insight into the changes.

Prem Patel, CEO of the MENA Business Culture Awards, on Mira Business FM's Morning Drive. They discuss the inaugural MENA Business Culture Awards in Dubai, focusing on the core themes of leadership and workplace culture. Prem, a seasoned leader with over 30 years of global experience, shares his insights on why a good company culture is vital, emphasizing the importance of considering the impact of actions and involving people in the decision-making process.

Host Tim Elliott sits down with Jeff Rhodes, CEO at Goldstrom Advisory, on Mira Business FM's Morning Drive to discuss the highly relevant topic of gold. The conversation explores gold as both an asset class and an investment class, addressing why this is such an important topic at the moment. Jeff, who is well-known in the UAE and runs his own advisory consultancy, offers his expert perspective on the factors driving the gold market and its role in a diversified financial portfolio.

Host Tim Elliott sits down with James Thomas, an independent financial consultant, on Mira Business FM's Morning Drive for a deep dive into Financial Planning Fundamentals. They discuss the essential components of building a strong financial future, including budgeting, saving, and investing, and how to systematically approach your personal finances. James offers practical advice on risk management and stresses the critical importance of getting started, emphasizing that it's never too late to begin your financial journey. This segment is essential viewing for anyone looking to achieve their financial goals, regardless of their current situation.

Host Tim Elliott speaks with Fahd Shakir, General Manager at Deep Scale AI Services, on Mira Business FM's Morning Drive. They dive into the practical application of Artificial Intelligence, discussing how Deep Scale is leveraging AI and massive data sets to drive business innovation. Fahd shares insights on the rapidly evolving AI services industry, the importance of data consolidation, and how this powerful technology can be applied to diverse fields, including longevity and wellness.

Drawing on his extensive experience in both London and Dubai, Mario Volpe of Allegiance Real Estate shares critical insights on real estate investment trends and what investors need to know to succeed in this competitive environment. He discusses the differences between popular asset classes, specifically contrasting the highly saturated apartment market with the greater scarcity of villas and townhouses in Dubai.

Host Tim Elliott speaks with Imran Shah Founder and CEO of Luxury Dubai Real Estate, to get a comprehensive broker's perspective on the dynamic Dubai property market. The conversation dives into current real estate market trends, the factors driving investment in the UAE, and essential advice for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors navigating the booming sector.

host Tim Elliott speaks with Pablos Holman, a hacker turned inventor who now leads an invention capital firm. Their discussion dives into the rapidly changing world of technology, reflecting on the themes of the Futurist X Summit 2025 in Dubai. The conversation explores the critical challenge of aligning the exponential pace of technology change with the slower adaptation of policy and governance. They also spotlight frontier topics like AI and quantum technologies.

Host Tim Elliott speaks with AI Futurist Tariq Qureishy, the Founder & CEO of XPonential. The conversation dives into the rapid, exponential growth of technologies like Artificial Intelligence and their profound impact on business, policy, and society. Tariq shares his expert insights on how leaders and organizations can navigate the challenges and opportunities of the new digital age to achieve future readiness and transformation.

Host Tim Elliott speaks with computer scientist and American technologist Ramez Naam at the Futurist X Summit 2025 in Dubai, a gathering uniting global thought leaders, scientists, and innovators. The conversation focuses on frontier topics like AI and quantum technologies, and the critical challenge of aligning the exponential pace of technology change with the slower adaptation of policy and governance.

Host Tim Elliott talks with James Thomas, an independent financial consultant. They discuss the fundamentals of financial planning, taking a systematic approach to help you achieve your financial goals. The conversation dives into the importance of personal financial planning and practical steps to take for effective money management, highlighting how financial products are sold to people and why it's essential to take charge of your own finances.

Nasser Bostan, an AI tech entrepreneur and international keynote speaker, joins host Tim Elliott on Mira Business FM's Morning Drive. They discuss Bostan's background, including his time at British Telecom leading the global cybersecurity business. Bostan shares his experience building a vision for the next generation of AI-powered cybersecurity at NEOM, a futuristic city in Saudi Arabia. He also touches on the challenge of defining his work in the constantly evolving world of technology.

Tim Elliott interviews Basel Abu Alrub, the managing partner of U Travel. The discussion highlights how U Travel has been a leading travel agency in Dubai for over 20 years by focusing on removing the stress of trip planning. The conversation covers how their account managers handle all the work, ensuring a smoother and more meaningful travel experience, whether for relaxation, culture, or adventure.

Tim Elliott speaks with independent financial consultant James Thomas. This conversation covers key financial concepts and strategies for building wealth. James provides practical advice for securing your financial future. The episode offers valuable insights for both experienced investors and those new to managing their money.

Host Tim Elliott welcomes James Thomas, an independent financial consultant, to the show. The discussion centers on Personal Finance and the fundamentals of financial planning, covering essential concepts for saving, investing, and securing your financial future. James provides practical advice on getting your finances in order, understanding investment niches, and planning for the long term.