The Agenda

Gulf airlines are still operating at just half capacity as disruption continues across the region The UAE has extended its Nafis programme to 2040, with new support for Emirati families Forty days into the conflict, major UAE employer Dulsco is facing evolving challenges in supporting its 25,000-strong workforce across multiple sectors. Meanwhile, the UAE events calendar remains busy despite disruption, with comedy taking centre stage this April Artemis II astronauts have broken a distance record set by Apollo 13, travelling farther from Earth than ever before during their Moon mission, and briefly losing all contact for 40 minutes.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A risky mission to rescue a US airman stranded in Iran over the weekend is reported to have cost more than 300 million dollars Retired US Marine Corps Colonel Brendan Kearney will join us to explain why it’s being described as one of the most daring operations in recent US military history The UAE has approved its first pill for weight loss and obesity, becoming just the second country in the world to do so. We’ll ask how, and why now Plus, the UAE has approved its first pill for weight loss and obesity, becoming just the second country in the world to do so.  NASA’s Artemis II is set to swing around the Moon later today, marking a major milestone in the first lunar mission programme in more than 50 years. And, with fewer boat surveys, the UAE Dolphin Project is turning to the public to help track endangered dolphins from shoreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the ongoing regional conflict - global food prices are back in focus - with the UN warning fertiliser costs could keep inflation stubbornly high. While cocoa prices are falling, chocolate prices are still stubbornly high. We'll speak to a local chocolatier about why? Plus with some exam boards are now cancelling GCSE exams in the UAE, how will grades now be decided? And, Abu Dhabi's launching a major new biobank - saying it's a shift towards predictive, personalised healthcare. But how will it work? We'll ask the team behind the projectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the conflict continues into a fifth week, we're starting to see signs of strain in some parts of the economy - in particular in those that rely on the tourism dirham. We'll be hearing from the team behind community mall Times Square Centre in Dubai, and from the Coca Cola Arena - which is currently hosting a massive clearance sale. Meanwhile the school transport companies are starting to offer discounts the education sector is feeling the impact even more sharply. But there are bigger questions too IB exams have now been cancelled - so what does that mean for students and their futures? Plus NASA has made it to the moon once again - the Artemis II spacecraft is now in orbit around the Earth. It's definitely a big deal - but why?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the impact of the conflict begins to be felt in the UAE, there are growing signs of a shift in the jobs market. Meanwhile, Dubai's driverless taxis are officially roaming the roads of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah picking up passengers right now after the launch on Tuesday. We'll speak to Uber - one of the booking platforms - about how it's working out. And the trend towards banning social media for under-16's seems to be gathering steam.  Indonesia and Austria are following in the footsteps of Australia - which banned it three months ago. But is it workable?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dubai is launching driverless taxis today - a long-awaited step into the future. Home schooling has been extended for another two weeks - now running until April 17 - putting added pressure on parents and the wider education system. Meanwhile, with the Strait of Hormuz closed for a fifth week, it’s not just oil and gas affected - fertiliser costs are surging, raising fresh concerns about global food inflation and how we grow food more efficiently. And the city is also embracing a pay-it-forward dining trend, with initiatives like “Treat On Us” encouraging residents to buy meals for others and boost community spirit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite regional conflict disrupting major sporting events, the Dubai World Cup has gone ahead - sending a strong signal about the UAE’s resilience and global standing. Meanwhile after heavy rain and flooding across the UAE, a new concern is emerging - could we now see a spike in mosquito activity, and how quickly can that risk grow? And as NASA prepares to head for the moon this week, we'll take a closer look at how the UAE is ramping up its ambitions - and positioning itself in the global space race. Plus, Dubai is continuing to invest in active transport - expanding its cycling network with 13 new tracks as the city pushes to become more connected and sustainable. We'll hear from the RTA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at what's happening on the roads during this season's rains and how the RTA and Dubai Municipality prepare and ensure that the 2024 floods don't happen again. As we come to the close of the first week of home learning this term, we ask schools and universities about how they are managing the online setup. We also speak with the KHDA to find out the latest rules when it comes to remote learning. And if you're scheduled to watch a concert and it gets cancelled, what are your rights?      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at property transaction volumes and mortgage lending in the UAE during the ongoing regional conflict. The Dubai World Cup is back this weekend, with a staggering $12 million on the line and some of the best horses on the planet lining up at Meydan. So what does it actually take to train, manage, and race a horse at this level?  And Primark has officially opened its first store in Dubai today, we look at how residents are receiving it.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed and it's causing chaos in global trade flows. We get the latest on what can actually be done to restore safe passage through one of the world’s most important waterways with Damien Chevallier from the International Maritime Organization.  The UAE’s small and medium-sized businesses are facing rising costs and uncertainty, and they’re looking for help.  Some schools are planning a return to classrooms and in-school learning, but is it the right time? We speak with one of the biggest school groups - GEMS. With oil prices soaring due to the crisis in the Middle East, the Philippines has become the first country in the world to formally declare a state of national energy emergency. We get the latest on the ground live in Manila. And with record rains set to hit the UAE today, how can you protect your home before the next storm?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the conflict enters its fourth week, we take a closer look at the UAE’s resilience and global reputation with His Excellency Badr Jafar, the UAE’s Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy. Construction remains one of the key pillars of the UAE’s growth. But how is the sector really holding up? We ask Chris Seymour of Mace Middle East. A green corridor between Oman and Dubai is now in place to help keep trade flowing, offering an alternative route for cargo and easing some of the strain. Dr Lijo John from Heriot-Watt University Dubai gives us details. And as home learning continues, we continue to hear from schools how they are managing the remote setup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continue to cause global repercussions, we are revisiting waterway and the seafarers currently trapped at sea. We also look at how the conflict is putting pressure on air traffic controllers. We turn our attention to spending habits when uncertainty rises, and are UAE shoppers pulling back or leaning in? As remote learning resumes, we also look at how the conflict is affecting families here in the UAE, and the growing pressure on nannies. Plus, we check in with schools and parents to see how the first day back at school for students is going.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the UAE restaurant scene struggles to manage the implications of the current conflict, we find out how chefs and restaurant owners are fighting to keep customers coming through the door. The UAE's Cyber Security Council is warning of heightened risks online as geopolitical tensions often fuel digital threats. We find out from cybersecurity expert Amir Kolahzadeh what we can do to avoid falling victim to wiper malware and how we can secure our CCTVs. Elon Musk’s Starlink service is now officially available in the UAE. But is there a link between the launch of satellite internet and the current conflict?  The ripple effects of rising oil prices are being felt far beyond the Middle East. We get details from Katie Chambers while she's on a pre-planned holiday in Sri Lanka. And as unstable weather in the UAE approaches, we get a bit of an analysis of the situation from the unofficial weatherman, Howard Townsend.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Eid nearly upon us, and demand for food surging, what’s happening behind the scenes to ensure food security for key staples? Could we see shortages? Ahmad Ahli, Acting Director of the Consumer Protection Department at the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), gives us the answers. As the conflict continues, UAE hospitals remain on high alert, ready to respond swiftly to any emergency scenario. We find out what their readiness plans look like behind the scenes with emergency medicine doctor Sabrina Berdouk from Medcare Royal Hospital. And with the extension of distance learning for another two weeks, we find out how UAE universities are adapting and supporting students.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Distance learning has been extended from March 23 for two weeks amid the ongoing regional conflict, we speak with head of schools to find out what home learning will look like at their institutions. Airspace across the UAE closed in the early hours of this morning before gradually reopening as an exceptional precautionary measure to ensure the safety of flights and air crew. We unpack what this means for travellers with an aviation expert. And with the current situation, tourism is taking a hit, but hotels here in the UAE are adapting quickly. So what does that look like on the ground?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Agenda speaks exclusively to His Excellency Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, official spokesperson for the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority or NCEMA, to find out how the UAE coordinates its response behind the scenes to keep the public informed and safe After authorities arrest dozens of people for posting inaccurate or sensitive information online, we ask, when does a social media post become a crime in the UAE? We find out how cruise operators had to quicky adapt to the regional conflict. GoToDXB founders discuss running pleasure craft in Dubai during a challenging regional moment. And we find out how Expo City is turning spring break into a hands-on nature adventure for kids.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the continuing conflict in the region and heightened security measures across the UAE, companies are having to think carefully about how they support their staff. We ask Dulsco Group, a company who employs around 25,000 people across the Emirates, how they make sure their staff feel informed and protected. There are growing concerns this morning about the safety of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20% of global oil and LNG supplies. So what does this mean for global shipping, and how concerned should the maritime industry be right now? With the continuing conflict and missile interceptions overhead, many employees across the UAE are wondering how the current situation affects their working practices. What can employers ask of their staff right now, and what protections do employees have under the law? Plus, sharing homes is part of the reality of life in Dubai. But over the past few months we have also seen authorities take action against unsafe partitioned apartments, with a number of residents suddenly finding themselves evicted and asking the same question: what happens next?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism announces limited price increases on some food types, the authorities say they're temporary, and at the same time they're calling on the public to look out for unnecessary hikes - and to report them. Meanwhile - in a gesture of community solidarity Atlantis Dubai, is opening Aquaventure World for free for some residents - we'll find out how you can get those tickets. And in a flood of posts, videos and breaking updates - how do you spot fake posts and AI creations? Plus, we're all getting those emergency warnings now on a regular basis - but how does the technology work? Finally, British Airways is stopping services to Abu Dhabi - so how will this impact travelers?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the spring holidays underway, increasing numbers of people are considering going on holiday - or continuing with plans they already made despite the current conflict. We'll get into the travel trends, and discuss how pilots are preparing and operating safely in the current circumstances. Meanwhile, it's been a rollercoaster few days for the oil price due to the ongoing regional conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.  But how is this likely to affect you and me? And with some people still stranded here in the UAE, we'll speak to a doctor who's making sure they still get their prescriptions - by offering free consultationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As regional tensions disrupt airspace and global travel, we look at how the UAE is responding behind the scenes. From Abu Dhabi’s crisis response system coordinating essential services, to Dubai authorities checking in on People of Determination. We also hear about a Dubai businessman who opened his farmhouse to stranded tourists, and examine the wider impact on airlines, global trade and seafarers as Middle East tensions escalate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.