Live from Dubai: Business, media and culture in the Gulf amid talks and blockades

Live from Dubai, The Globalist explores the Gulf region's resilience amid escalating regional tensions, particularly between Iran and the U.S., and the impact on business, culture, and investment. Host Tyler Burleigh and guests—including Brookfield’s Jad Alon, journalist Riz Khan, and Monocle’s Fiona Wilson—examine how Dubai’s financial district, despite missile threats and drone attacks, remains operational and attractive to global investors. The episode reveals a strong sense of national unity and pride among expatriates, many of whom feel more Emirati than ever during the crisis. Business leaders emphasize the region’s preparedness, structural economic strength, and long-term investment appeal, even as sectors like hospitality and tourism face short-term challenges. Meanwhile, global ripple effects are felt in Japan, where oil shortages are disrupting manufacturing, and in luxury markets, where Watches and Wonders in Geneva signals cautious optimism. Cultural hubs like Alserkal Avenue continue to thrive, demonstrating the region’s deep-rooted creative ecosystem. The episode concludes with a forward-looking tone: despite volatility, the Gulf’s strategic positioning, sovereign wealth, and adaptive leadership suggest a swift recovery and renewed global relevance. Key takeaways include: 1) Dubai’s resilience is rooted in long-term planning and crisis preparedness, not just short-term PR; 2) Expatriate sentiment has shifted toward deeper integration and loyalty, especially during adversity; 3) The Gulf’s economic model—focused on stability, diversification, and private-sector growth—remains attractive despite geopolitical risks; 4) Cultural and creative ecosystems are not just surviving but expanding, reinforcing Dubai’s identity beyond finance; 5) Global markets are recalibrating, with investors viewing the region as a strategic counterweight to Western volatility. The episode underscores that while conflict creates short-term disruption, the Gulf’s long-term trajectory remains firmly upward.