The Agenda is your go-to programme for news, analysis and comment - a daily digest of local and international stories that matter to you. Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.
From Covid-19, to climate change and community issues, The Agenda covers stories from every walk of life, so get in touch with us and tell us your news.
20 May 2025. Is AI-generated music putting your favourite artists at risk? A top musicologist weighs in. Plus, Ozempic isn’t just changing bodies — it could reshape the economy too. What’s up with the UAE’s obsession with a bug-eyed toy called Labubu? We unpack the craze. And scientists may have found a way to cool your mouth after spicy food. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The UAE’s AI data centre boom is leaning on nuclear energy. We explore the risks and rewards. We also look at why generalists could shape the future of work. Also, what buyers need to know about Dubai’s off-plan property market in 2025. And how electronic tattoos might turn your skin into a smart device. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elon Musk is bringing his brain interface company Neuralink to Abu Dhabi. Georgia asks neurosurgeon Dr. Tommaso Tufo about the magnitude of the announcement. Plus, we look at all the deals agreed between the the UAE and the US during President Trump's visit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the US President lands in Abu Dhabi with top tech CEOs, we ask: what does Washington want from the UAE? Plus, with rising tolls and parking fees, is it becoming too pricey to drive in Dubai — and why are more people doing it anyway? And new research shows chimpanzees may share our sense of rhythm — and it’s surprisingly musical See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US President Donald Trump will be in the UAE tomorrow, hoping to strike deals on advanced semiconductors and tech investments. But what’s really at stake, and why are these tiny chips causing such a big stir? Katie Chambers speaks to economist Karen Young. She's joined too by someone who was in the same room as Trump at the US-Saudi Investment Forum-- former journalist and media consultant Eithne Trenor. Plus, it appears that the king of dinosaurs may have had roots far from America. Listen to g...
Two businesses thriving under the “Make it in the Emirates” campaign share their stories — from food to steel. Policing the metaverse? Katie Chambers explores the challenges with Geneva State Police. Plus, what does Dubai’s new Jebel Ali Racecourse plan mean for sport and city life? We ask urban planner Fatma Al Khayat. And why are UAE pools losing billions of litres of water? The researcher behind the study joins us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
New figures from the UAE’s Ministry of Interior revealed that 7,000 fines were given out last year for noise violations. More than 3,000 of those were related to car horns and blasting loud music, while around 4,000 violations were linked to vehicles causing excessive noise, due to illegal engine modifications or reckless driving habits. Katie Chambers speaks with Dr Erica Walker, an internationally-recognised expert on noise and public health to find out what really comprises noise pollution an...
A landmark ruling in Abu Dhabi’s family court sees an American woman awarded AED 100 million in a divorce settlement. Katie Chambers speaks to the lawyer who led the case to find out what this means for expatriates and family law in the UAE. With the KHDA giving the green light for schools to raise fees, one of Dubai’s biggest school groups has announced a freeze—for the seventh year in a row. We find out what this means for parents, and whether other schools could follow their lead. Plus, Katie...
Abu Dhabi is set to become home to the region’s first Disneyland. Katie Chambers speaks with Robert Niles, founder and editor of Theme Park Insider, who was at the official announcement last night in the UAE capital. Building a Disney theme park is not just about castles and rollercoasters—it’s about culture, logistics, precision, and thousands of people working behind the scenes. Lee Cockerell is a former executive vice president of operations for Walt Disney World Resort and he helped open Dis...
Security checks at airports can be a bit of a bottleneck — the unpacking of laptops, the 100ml liquid rule, and that familiar scramble at the trays. But changes are on the way as Dubai International Airport is trialling new screening technology that could mean passengers won’t have to remove electronics or liquids from their bags. Katie Chambers is joined by the company behind the new tech-- Tom Squier is the Managing Director of Smiths Detection Middle East, and he explains how it works, and wh...
We've been hearing growing concerns from communities, with some calling for tighter regulation and others demanding an outright ban for e-scooters and e-motorbikes. The Agenda's Katie Chambers speaks with Dubai resident Matt Parkinson who sadly experienced how dangerous these lightweight electric vehicles the very hard way. We also get the take of Robbie Clarkson, founder of a Dubai-based company that specialises in off-road and electric motorbikes. And as artificial intelligence to be introduce...
In today’s episode we speak to financial expert Carol Glynn on how to protect your money as scam cases surge across the UAE. The iconic Buddha-Bar brand is bringing luxury to Dubai’s World Islands with a brand-new hotel. Plus, why headteachers are cracking down on e-motorbike use among students. And meet the man who’s been bitten by snakes over 200 times — all in the name of conservation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Plus, meet the Dubai teen whose fashion brand is making international waves. We unpack what “economic diplomacy” really means for the UAE’s growing global trade ties, and ask—can ChatGPT really help you shop smarter? And finally, we’re lacing up our boots for a closer look at the UAE’s first joint hiking trail, connecting Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today’s episode: Why Victory Heights residents are cheering a new AED 1,000 fine for children on e-bikes How the Emirates are battling it out to be your next holiday hotspot And meet the man who visited every country on Earth — without ever boarding a plane See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why hasn’t it rained in the UAE? Dr. Ahmed Al Kamali from the National Center of Meteorology explains the reasons behind the dry weather. Mohammed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, takes us on a tour of Abu Dhabi’s newest must-see attractions. And political scientist Adam Ramey of NYU Abu Dhabi breaks down what Trump’s first 100 days in office really mean. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Muzzamil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, shares key travel trends in Saudi Arabia, while Thomas Meier, CEO of Jumeirah, unveils details of the brand’s newest hotel. Hoor Al Khaja from the Dubai Corporation of Tourism and Commerce Marketing updates us on the city’s evolving tourism landscape, and Nadia Verjee of Expo City Dubai discusses its role as a global hub for business events. Plus, the latest on the power outage in Spain and a breakthrough colon cancer discovery from Professor Ludmil Alexandro...
We’ll discuss Sharjah’s tourism boom - the new projects, fresh experiences, and their on-going focus on sustainability. Plus what's next for Dubai’s tourism? We’re revealing the game-changing attractions, the new wave of visitors, and the tech trends set to transform your future travels. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Plus, could we soon be growing space steaks, we discuss the future of food in orbit And, move aside Dr Google, Dr AI is here, and it knows its stuff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Plus is being polite to AI is bad for the planet? We find out how DEWA is using AI to improve customer service And if you like shopping - AI can help you save money. Plus, the rise of vertical dramas - are you watching them? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new survey reveals burnout is rising, especially among young female managers. Plus is AI outpacing the workplace? We meet the trainer behind staff upskilling at DP World, MAF, and Gucci. Google’s now using AI predicting floods and wildfires, while the UAE is to use AI to draft laws – the first country in the world. And 3,000-year-old Iron Age cemetery has been discovered in Al Ain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
We look at wow AI is Powering Trade, an why businesses are using AI to boost logistics and supply chain efficiency. Plus, with Trump’s tariffs pushing up prices, what’s next for global supply chains? And scientists say they’ve discovered a brand-new colour called “Olo”… but what does it actually look like? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen as we broadcast live from AI Week at Emirates Towers — surrounded by global innovators, thought leaders, and the tech shaping our future. We ask, could a Bot Take Your Job? And whether your role is safe from automation. Plus, Dubai’s RTA is gearing up for the launch of self-driving taxi trials — we’ll find out when you might get a ride with no one behind the wheel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Abu Dhabi’s driverless cars are heading to the airport. Dubai’s new car lift system is six months in – is DrivenBus driving change? Could your Easter egg cost more? We unpack cocoa price hikes with boutique brand Co Chocolat. Plus - We ask what Dubai’s doing to keep its coastlines safe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re talking consumer rights with Ahmed Mosa from Dubai Economy — answering your questions on returns, refunds, and shopper protections. Mall of the Emirates is getting a AED 5 billion expansion. But do we really need more retail space? With cocoa prices up, could lab-grown chocolate be the future? We speak to the CEO of Celeste Bio about their cocoa-free alternative. And the UAE is fast becoming a hub for AI data centres. We explore what’s behind the rise. See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...
Plus, we're discussing that AI doll trend which is sparking privacy and environmental concerns. And, the melting ice which is opening new trade routes and sparking Arctic power struggles. Also, could optimistic dogs make better workers? We'll find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We look at what’s changed. From a Dh1.4 billion flood prevention push, to rising insurance costs, and where victims stand 12 months on. Plus, the Oscars finally give stunts their moment to shine – a brand new category is on the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Plus, UAE boosts local food production, could vertical farms provide a sustainable solution to rising tariffs, climate change, and supply chain risks? More chats on tariffs and how it could affect us in the UAE, And, Blue Origin's All-Female Spaceflight including Katy Perry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From the 15th April, all school buses will be required to install automatic fire suppression systems—essentially, a built-in fire extinguisher that activates if a fire starts in the engine. It’s part of the government’s wider push to raise fire safety standards, and it affects more than 17,000 school buses across the country. Katie Chambers speak with Sam Malins, the CEO of ReacTON, one of the key manufacturers of these systems here in the UAE and David Campbell from Emirates Safety Laboratory, ...
A Dubai resident who lost nearly AED 220,000 to a scam after being promised a fake prize from a so-called government foundation has come forward to tell her story. "Sarah" (not her real name) bravely shares the details to help protect others. Anthony Frances, a lawyer from Gately Legal, also joins The Agenda with expert advice on what to do if you’re ever caught in a similar trap—and whether there’s any way to recover your money. And is the dire wolf really back? Katie Chambers gets the answer s...
Government officials have warned the public about a surge in fraudulent companies using social media to scam job seekers. We speak with a recruiter, a cybersecurity expert and a company who have had people contact them, thinking they were starting a new role when they weren’t. Plus, how is it like to look after famous people? Katie Chambers meets the former close protection officers of none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
