The Agenda

Dubai Eye 103.8

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.

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Yesterday · 59 min
Cyber war at the Strait of Hormuz
With attacks on ships around the Strait of Hormuz escalating, the regional conflict is also intensifying online, with cyberattacks on the UAE still running at around 600,000 a day. So how do you protect the ports and infrastructure that keep global trade moving? We speak to DP World. Also on the podcast, Wizz Air is returning to the UAE, just a year after pulling the plug on its Abu Dhabi operation. We find out what has changed, why it is coming back and what it could mean for airfares. Meanwhile, some of the people building the world’s most powerful AI systems are warning that the technology could eventually wipe out humanity. So just how seriously should we take those warnings coming out of Silicon Valley? Could spending a few minutes as Marie Curie change the way you think about women in science? Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi say virtual reality could help challenge some of our unconscious biases. And the UAE National Orchestra is back for its second season with a bigger programme. We speak to its Artistic Planning Director about how the orchestra is developing an increasingly distinctive sound of its own. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday · 1 hr 1 min
Did moving to the UAE make you better off faster?
A new report from St. James’s Place Middle East suggests that, for many affluent expats, the answer is yes. An extraordinary 96% say they earn more here than they would at home, and 97% say they save more. And perhaps unsurprisingly, many are staying much longer than they originally planned. Dubai is one of the most digitally connected cities in the world. But the more connected a city becomes, the greater the potential cyber risk. What threats are Dubai facing now, how is the city protecting its digital infrastructure, and how much responsibility lies with businesses and ordinary users? Katie is joined live in the studio by His Excellency Amer Sharaf Alhashmi, CEO of the Cyber Security Systems and Services Sector, Dubai Electronic Security Center. When we talk about cyberattacks, it can all sound very technical. But often, the way into a system is surprisingly simple. Toyota and Lexus have relaunched a major safety campaign in the UAE urging owners of older vehicles to check whether their cars still have defective Takata airbags. The recall itself is not new, but it remains the largest automotive safety recall in history. We ask: what exactly can go wrong with these airbags? And police in France are searching for two thieves after a raid on the Renoir Museum, and this is not an isolated case. So are museums facing a growing security problem? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tuesday · 59 min
Who decides how much your hotel room costs?
If you're booking a Dubai hotel this month, you may have noticed prices climbing. We tell you how a hotel decides what your room is worth. ONPASSIVE Metro Station is becoming Garmin Metro Station, after the technology company secured the naming rights under a 10-year agreement. So what does naming a Metro station actually do for a brand, and do frequent changes risk confusing passengers? After years of strong growth, there are signs Dubai’s property market may be starting to turn. Abu Dhabi has introduced a new Post-Separation Charter aimed at keeping children out of parental disputes and protecting their psychological and social wellbeing. Eid Al Etihad is a celebration of the UAE’s Union and everything the country has achieved since 1971. But the story of the UAE isn’t only found in official records or history books, but also in the memories of people who watched the country change. And we share more details about the three new Harry Potter-themed lands under construction on Yas Island. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Monday · 1 hr 3 min
If your spouse were to pass away unexpectedly, would you know what to do next?
A woman who lost her husband just seven months ago is now creating a new support community for widows after finding herself struggling to navigate everything that comes after a death. If your husband or wife died unexpectedly, would you know what happens to your bank accounts, your home, your mortgage or your children? And for expat families, with assets and relatives potentially spread across several countries, how much more complicated can it become? Today is the UN’s International Day of Clean Air, and new global research suggests many of us may be underestimating the risks. In the UAE, roughly two-thirds say they're not concerned, despite air pollution exceeding WHO recommended levels. So why aren't we more worried? Could AI help doctors find symptoms of Crohn’s disease earlier? And a new study has looked at thousands of reports of wildlife turning up in and around people's homes and researchers say there’s a serious reason behind some of those unexpected visitors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 4 · 1 hr 8 min
Two climate warnings the UAE can’t ignore
The UN is warning that El Niño is being "supersized before our eyes", with the potential for even more extreme weather around the world. We ask what that could mean for the Gulf and how countries can prepare. And as the Italian Grand Prix is declared a heat-hazard race, we ask whether the world is becoming too hot for elite sport. Plus, should children be learning how to use AI at school? The UAE is introducing AI across its national curriculum and training 22,000 teachers, while New York City is restricting generative AI for younger pupils. So who's got it right? Meanwhile, Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz also says the calendar is "impossible", so are we simply asking too much of the world's top athletes? And Emirates is unveiling the world's first electric Premium Economy seat with a full-height privacy screen. Is Premium Economy becoming the new battleground for airlines? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 3 · 1 hr 15 min
Inside the UAE's fight against cyber attacks
The UAE is facing a major cyber offensive linked to the conflict in the region and (IRGC) Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is among the actors involved. That's according to H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the United Arab Emirates Government, speaking exclusively to The Agenda. If you drive from Sharjah into Dubai every morning, you probably don't need us to tell you how frustrating that journey can be. But a major new road project could make a significant difference to one of the busiest parts of that commute. If you have children at a private school in Dubai, you might want to double-check your October holiday dates. Some private schools in Dubai are saying their half term break in October will move forward by a week, from Monday the 19th to Monday the 12th of October. How are schools managing a change to the calendar after the academic year has already started? Dubai is tightening the rules around what healthcare professionals can say when they promote medical services online. New research from McAfee tested more than 21,000 travel photos and found one freely available AI model could correctly identify the location in 91 per cent of them. And that information can be incredibly useful to scammers. When you think of elite snowboarding, Dubai probably isn't the first place that springs to mind. But 18-year-old Emirati Amenah Al Muhairi is hoping to change that. And we all know the feeling. You’ve had a bad night’s sleep, it’s the middle of the afternoon and all you want to do is close your eyes. Coffee might help, but scientists are now looking much more closely at the chemistry in our brains that actually keeps us awake. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 2 · 1 hr 5 min
Helping teens get their first job experience
If you have a teenager or young adult at home, you may have heard this frustration before. They’re told they need work experience to stand out when they apply for university or their first proper job. But actually finding that experience can be incredibly difficult. Where do you look? Who do you contact? Could part-time jobs become more common in the UAE? And what should both parents and employers know before saying yes? Schools are now back. So, are we actually noticing the difference on the roads? And we tend to judge a UAE summer by how hot it gets during the day, but scientists are increasingly concerned about what happens after sunset. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 1 · 1 hr 12 min
US visa appointments on hold: What happens next?
The Trump administration has temporarily paused immigrant visa appointments at US embassies and consulates around the world. So what does this mean for applicants here, and could the UAE become more attractive as US immigration becomes less predictable? Scientists are piecing together what triggered the devastating floods on the Nepal-Tibet border that cause the deaths of around 900 people. The US Geological Survey says it was actually a glacial collapse, with the impact so powerful it registered as a magnitude 5.2 seismic event. New tax rules for vapes come into force across the UAE today. How does the new calculation actually work, which products are affected, and what does it mean for retailers with stock already sitting on their shelves? And the BER months have officially begun. Decorations start appearing, Christmas preparations begin and, crucially, the Christmas music starts playing. So how does a piece of music become so strongly associated with a particular season? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 31 · 1 hr 4 min
Dubai Police tackle school-run traffic
Dubai Police has deployed 253 security and traffic patrols and 28 drones around schools to monitor traffic and help keep things moving safely. Today is also Accident-Free Day. Drivers who registered for the nationwide initiative and stay free of accidents and traffic violations today could have four black points removed from their licence. Yango Ride has introduced School Rides, where up to six pupils travelling along similar routes share a vehicle, with fixed pickup windows and door-to-door collection. The service was launched as a pilot in partnership with Dubai’s RTA earlier this year. Dubai is spending AED 1.16 billion on Al Meydan Street. Today is World Beach Day, a chance to celebrate our coastlines, but also to think about how we use them safely. And is your dog talking to you? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 28 · 1 hr 13 min
Six months into the regional conflict
Six months since the regional conflict began, we look at the continuing disruption to the Strait of Hormuz and how Gulf states are developing pipelines and alternative routes that could reduce Iran’s leverage over the vital waterway. Plus, UEFA is preparing possible criminal proceedings against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, escalating the power struggle at the top of world football. Meanwhile Bill Gates warns governments are nowhere near ready for the impact AI could have on jobs. And on Emirati Women’s Day, we hear from the UAE women’s cricket captain as the Women’s Asia Cup gets underway in Dubai. We also ask whether getting rid of homework could actually help younger children learn, and meet the Australian scientists developing cyborg cockroaches that could one day save lives in disaster zones. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 27 · 1 hr 12 min
Dubai’s school boom: Are there enough pupils?
It’s back to school across the UAE from next week, and Dubai’s education sector is getting even bigger. We look at 26 new private education institutions opening this academic year, including Harrow Dubai, and ask the KHDA whether there are enough pupils to fill nearly 17,000 new school places, and what it all means for affordability. Plus, will changes made by the RTA to roads around Dubai schools make the school run easier? And what will it cost to fill children’s lunchboxes this year? We also ask whether influencers can get a new generation excited about art, and why Hollywood is so obsessed with bringing back the films we loved decades ago. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 26 · 1 hr 12 min
Dubai tightens rules on shared housing
We give you the lowdown about the shared housing law that comes into force today with property and construction lawyer Scott Hutton. We also ask: what happens to the people who rely on cheaper shared accommodation? On our back-to-school special, we look at what getting a school bus ready for September actually does involve. Plus, school run carpooling, is this an option you're looking to get for your child? We speak with a Grade 12 student who created Community Carpool, a free platform designed to help people organise shared journeys. Weight-loss drugs are now raising questions in professional sport. But why? The ball used when Diego Maradona scored both the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century” against England at the 1986 World Cup has sold for $3.3 million. So how do you put a price on a unique piece of sporting history? And now another country is drawing the line between “proper” music and AI-generated songs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 25 · 59 min
Are social media bans for teens effective?
New Zealand has announced steps toward banning social media for under-16s, with legislation now introduced to Parliament. And for parents, there’s a very practical question behind all of this. As children move into secondary school, many start asking for their first phone. So what are schools doing about phones and social media, and what advice are they giving parents? On our back-to-school special this week, we speak with the Roads and Transport Authority after it announced a package of measures ahead of the new academic year, including a 30-day inspection campaign of school buses, checking vehicles as well as permits for drivers and attendants. So how ready is Dubai for the return of the school run? We also ask: will school lunch boxes be expensive this year? Hidden or retractable car door handles will soon be illegal on new vehicles sold in China. And Apple’s reported plans for camera-equipped AirPods raise questions about how the move fits with the company’s long-standing privacy-first image. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 24 · 1 hr 17 min
When AI steals your face and voice
Our colleague Kris Fade has warned his followers about an AI-generated deepfake video using his likeness to promote a so-called passive-income scheme. If somebody uses your face, voice or identity to promote a scam, what can you actually do about it? How do you design an airport where passengers may need to travel kilometres just to get from one part of it to another? Dubai's iconic Toyota Building on Sheikh Zayed Road is officially scheduled for demolition next year. So what steps must occur before a building can be demolished? Formula One has confirmed that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will go ahead as planned this December. Hundreds of robotics companies have gathered in Beijing for the World Robot Conference, showcasing everything from humanoids that dance and box to robots designed to work in factories, warehouses, shops and care homes. For the first time ever, an Olive Ridley turtle has been recorded nesting in Abu Dhabi. And why are jellyfish plaguing European beaches? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 21 · 58 min
Will moving junk food change our shopping habits?
From next year, products high in fat, salt and sugar will disappear from supermarket checkouts and other prominent areas. But can changing where food sits really change what we eat? Georgia speaks with His Excellency Dr Ahmed AlKhazraji, Executive Director of Healthy Living, under the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, where he leads public health initiatives. A personalised vaccine has stopped skin cancer returning for longer in patients in a major trial. Scientists say it could be a watershed moment, not just for melanoma, but for the future of cancer treatment. Logistics and industrial property is still attracting global investors, with rents holding firm and deals continuing despite the uncertainty. And with average rents now falling, is this the year to ask your landlord for a better deal? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 20 · 44 min
How are you budgeting for your child’s school uniforms?
Some families here in Dubai say they’re spending up to AED 2,000 per child, with uniform suppliers saying schools often receive a share of the money parents spend. So is it time for greater transparency? Parents have told us they’re shopping around, buying second-hand and looking outside Dubai to bring the bill down. So what do the schools say? Ravi Restaurant in Satwa says two other Dubai eateries using the Ravi name are not its branches. So when does using a familiar business name cross the line legally? And what if ChatGPT had a “teen mode”? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 19 · 57 min
Recruitment and Property Boost in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah’s universities are changing what they teach as the emirate prepares for thousands of new jobs. With Wynn Al Marjan Island ramping up recruitment, thousands of new workers are expected to move to Ras Al Khaimah. But where are they all going to live, and could the hiring boom give RAK’s property market another major boost? Ras Al Khaimah is preparing for a huge influx of tourists, and one of its newest attractions promises to take them almost out of this world. We find out why astronaut training is coming to the emirate. Etihad Rail passengers can now step off the train and straight into a rental car for as little as AED 80 per day. A three-day weekend is coming up at the end of August. We give you ideas on how to turn the days off into a proper getaway. And making friends as an adult can be hard, particularly when you’re a dad, but one Dubai father decided to do something about it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 18 · 58 min
Your UAE summer car check
The UAE summer isn’t just tough on us, it’s tough on our cars too. With warnings over tyre blowouts, battery failures and overheating, we find out what you should be checking before you get behind the wheel. Dubai Mallathon isn't stuck on malls alone, it has now landed at one of the world's busiest airports. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is closing in on $2 billion dollars at the global box office. So what does it actually take to create a billion-dollar movie, and can Hollywood engineer a blockbuster? And Cristiano Ronaldo says this will probably his last year playing professional football. What's next for the number 7? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 17 · 1 hr 6 min
Why are e-scooter injuries so serious?
Abu Dhabi Police have issued a fresh warning to e-scooter riders about dangerous behaviour on the roads. New analysis too from the UK has found that people involved in e-scooter crashes can suffer more serious injuries than cyclists or even motorcyclists. So what makes an e-scooter accident potentially so dangerous? And what kinds of injuries are doctors seeing? With major accidents rising sharply, what responsibility do scooter retailers have to make sure the people buying them understand the risks and the rules? And as Oman steps up its response to the oil spill along its coastline, we speak to an oil-spill specialist about the clean-up operation and what happens next. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 14 · 1 hr 2 min
The oil spill threatening Oman’s coast
A major oil spill has reached Oman’s coastline, contaminating up to 40 kilometres of shore. We look at the threat to marine life and ask how you actually clean up an oil spill. Plus, the UAE cracks down on nuisance cold callers, a tiny heart implant could keep patients out of hospital, and new research suggests dogs really can read our emotions. And on World Rollercoaster Day, we head to Yas Island to find out why we love being scared. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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