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Afternoons with Helen Farmer
A laid back look at life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what's happening and where to go with free advice, expert opinion and storytelling which gives an inside scoop in to real life UAE. Calling foodies, culture vultures and people who want answers from our trusted team of engaging experts.
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Episodes
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Celebrating Eid Al Etihad
Monday, 1 December 2025
This Eid Al Etihad, Helen meets Emirati entrepreneur, founder and athlete Asmah Hilal Lootah to talk 20 years in business in the UAE, and talks one expat celebrating a significant anniversary of her own – 50 years in the country…Plus, with winter travels approaching, we talk skincare and allergy management abroad with Dr Faheem Lateef, and if you’re experiencing end of year burnout, you’re not alone – executive coach Noona Nafoosi explains why high performers often struggle during the holidays - and what you can do about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Eats & entertainment
Friday, 28 November 2025
From hot new restaurants and celebrating chefs, to insider food tours and a behind the scenes glimpse at the Coca-Cola Arena, Helen has all the intel you need to end the year on a high…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Expat foster care in the UAE
Thursday, 27 November 2025
A new law means non-Emiratis can now foster children here in the UAE. So, what does it mean for families - and what is the reality of building a family through fostering and adoption here? Helen meets adoptive mums Laura-Jane Hall & Vicki Galloway-Place. Meanwhile, this winter sees a longer school holiday coming after a packed – and for many people, stressful – term of tests, exams and sports. So, how can you use the next four weeks to help your child, tween or teen decompress and relax? Psychologist Maha Cooper has all the advice you need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Drinking and December
Wednesday, 26 November 2025
It's an issue it can be hard to discuss, but the festive season and problem drinking go hand in hand. Helen meets the experts providing rehabilitation here in the UAE and asks, how do you navigate all those parties if you're struggling with an addiction? We also learn how teaching your kids about money NOW can help ensure a financially free future - and we delved into new research about the impact of ultra processed foods too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Do pre-schoolers need skincare?
Tuesday, 25 November 2025
A new skincare line aimed at kids as young as three has been making global headlines. Its makers say it lets kids play grown-up safely. Its critics say it’s harmful messaging. But what do parents need to know? Helen asks Dr Natalia Spierings.Plus, we talk the rise and rise of the over-50s divorce with therapist Dr Tanya Dharamshi, and Alex from House of Social is on hand for a small business clinic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The world’s favourite art piece?
Monday, 24 November 2025
It’s gone from a viral Instagram account to a global survey, examining the public’s answer to the question “if you could own any artwork in the world, what would it be and why”. Now, the votes are in… Helen meets Erin-Atlanta Argun from My Art Broker.We also discuss the rise of teen gambling – and what you should do if your child is at risk – and we have all the info you need before buying any new tech for teens and tweens this Christmas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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How it feels to Defy Gravity
Friday, 21 November 2025
This week, the cast of WICKED the musical arrived in the Middle East to begin rehearsals before their opening night at Dubai Opera in January. Helen is joined in studio by Rebekah Lowings and Eve Shanu-Wilson, who play Elphaba and Glinda respectively, to hear what it's like to step into those iconic green and pink shoes. Plus, it’s Friday, which means all things food…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Could you save your sanity by saying NO(vember)?
Thursday, 20 November 2025
It’s social season, sports season, school end of term, and the demands are endless. But could you say ‘no’ to more engagements without losing friends and professional connections? Katy Holmes from the British Chamber of Commerce tells Helen how she’s making it work. Plus, as new research finds screens are replacing storytime, MC Grammar joins us to explain how rapping is making reading fun again…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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What your health data is REALLY telling you
Wednesday, 19 November 2025
From sleep to shift work, jetlag to stress, Helen gets the lowdown from Dr. Kristen Holmes, Global Head of Human Performance at WHOOP. Plus, we talk specialist vet care, meet the 10-year old author navigating diabetes at primary school, and as the world marks Women's Entrepreneurship Day, we ask why it's still harder to find funding for female run businesses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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But how are you REALLY
Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Burnout, stress and overwhelm are rife - so why do we all feel the need to pretend we’re “fine”? Helen asks Dr Thoriya. Plus, we meet the dad helping dozens of other fathers navigating life as solo parents in the UAE…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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AI versus humans...
Tuesday, 18 November 2025
From misdiagnosis to the new companions apeing human connection, tech companies are coming for our most private interactions. But what are the potential benefits and pitfalls to algorithmic care? Jen asks Dr Anna Machin, author and doctor of evolutionary anthropology at Oxford University. Plus, we find out what parents and doctors in the UAE’s NICUs want you to know this World Prematurity Day, and we discuss changes to employment law aimed at boosting work/life balance in the UAE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Live from DP World Tour Championship
Friday, 14 November 2025
From family fun to ladies day, we get the lowdown on everything golfing going on this weekend. Plus, we're joined by chef Richard Sandoval, we talk music for movement, we learn about chocolate shortages, and William Mullally talks bad reviews - and Kim Kardashian..See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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What your kids want you to know about their online lives
Thursday, 13 November 2025
Children now spend nearly five hours a day on screens outside school, yet almost half of teens say their parents don’t understand their online world. So what would they tell you if they didn’t fear the consequences? Helen speaks to cyberpsychology expert Catherine Knibbs.Plus, we discuss that gut brain connection with world-renowned naturopath Dr Jason Mitchell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Did women really ruin the workplace?
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
It’s the NYT headline that sparked a thousand others – but what does that viral question tell us about workplace relations in 2025? Helen asks recruiter David Mackenzie and workplace culture consultant Lucy D’Abo.Plus, Hunt Etheridge joins us to discuss the internet’s latest dating ick – men who don’t ask questions – and Madeleine Mendy talks us through UAE law for women who want to give birth as single mums…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The rise of male facial tweaks
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
From David Beckham to Bradley Cooper, a host of famous men have stepped out with remarkably different faces lately. So why are men now getting more tweakments than women – and what are their options when they go wrong? Helen asks Dr Dany Touma from Skin Experts. Plus, we learn about the new network aiming to help Dubai’s professionals make real, tangible connections, and we learn about the work of the Dubai’s only mental health facility dedicated to play therapy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Will UAE divorce law change forever?
Monday, 10 November 2025
A ground-breaking case in Abu Dhabi could see a man awarded maintenance by his ex-wife in a historic first. Lawyer Byron James has the lowdown. Plus, we talk accent development – and the role of YouTube in your child’s vocabulary with speech therapist Sarah Wedel, and Harrison from Haus & Haus joins us to talk apartment investment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The art of restaurant reviewing
Friday, 7 November 2025
In an age of influencers, is there still a place for anonymous expert food commentary? Helen asks Dubai’s OG influencer, Foodiva.Plus, we learn about a new breakfast collab, meet the chef behind a Bab Al Shams pop up, and ask how a cup of chai can help create community…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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How to beat the impact of bullying
Thursday, 6 November 2025
It’s shifted from the playground to phones and online platforms, but the impact of bullying remains huge. So, how do you help your child, tween or teen recover after bullying? Helen meets Maha Cooper, the Counselling psychologist behind a new course to help kids help themselves. Plus, if you’re facing an annual review this month, expert Dr Oudi is on hand to teach us how to give – and receive – feedback well.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Out of work? How to handle Dubai's job market
Wednesday, 5 November 2025
You’re not new to Dubai - but you’re out of work and you can’t find a job. What do you do? Recruiter Mollie Powell has all the answers you need. Plus, we talk men's mental health and the remaining barriers to therapy, we learn about the early signs of heart disease, and it's pets and vets day too! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Making work WORK for parents and kids
Tuesday, 4 November 2025
According to the new Motherhood & Ambition in the UAE study, 73% of mothers are still working in some capacity – but nearly a third say they feel much more isolated since becoming parents. So, what’s going wrong? Helen is joined by Anushka Kalyanpur DeLuca, founder of Nannies & More, & Constanze Munz, culture and leadership expert. Plus, we talk prostate cancer screening with a patient and doctor on a mission to raise screening rates this Movember, and as a host of celebrities speak up on postnatal depression, we ask if their openness could finally end the stigma around maternal mental heal...
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Is your salary stagnating?
Monday, 3 November 2025
Employees in the UAE face a contraction in salaries this year as a flood of new residents comes to the country, according to new data. So, how do you avoid a crunch? David MacKenzie has the answers.Meanwhile, we meet the handwriting expert who says she can tell if you’re working – and coupling up – with the right people, Dr Shef is on hand to discuss resistance training for kids, and we talk renovation projects with Haus & Haus too…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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How to game – without a screen!
Friday, 31 October 2025
It’s Friday, which means food and fun. Helen learns about a new tabletop gaming tournament headed for Dubai, discusses a year of UAE award wins with chef Bjorn Frantzen, learns about healthy eating in our city, and What’s On editor Liam is on hand with all your Halloween picks...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Are you broke by payday?
Thursday, 30 October 2025
The average worker has spent almost 50% of their paycheque within 48 hours of being paid. So, how do you stretch your funds further when costs keep rising. Helen asks Carol Glynn of Conscious Finance Coaching. We also find out how the British Council in Dubai is helping the UAE harness the power of its young population - and we're joined by Cognita Education to learn a bit more about the realities of introducing AI to the nation's classrooms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Infidelity, break-ups and revenge
Wednesday, 29 October 2025
Lily Allen’s new album has gone viral for its unfiltered honesty about heartbreak and betrayal. But when does emotional expression cross into revenge – and when does revenge make a bad situation worse? Helen asks Dr T. Plus, we learn about a new course for young drivers, and talk executive function with Adam the OT…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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When does busyness become a health problem?
Tuesday, 28 October 2025
Ask your friends how they’re doing right now, and the chances are the word overwhelm will feature. But how does that differ from stress - and when does a busy life become a problem? Helen is joined by Bobby Qureshi, CMM Institute of Natural Health and Janelle Houston from Tree of Hope. Meanwhile, more and more businesses are cottoning on to the potential of the menopause market. But are women being exploited by a hormone gold rush that’s more about capitalism than care? We ask the experts. And with school assessment season upon us, we ask one educator when tutoring becomes counterproductive...
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How to raise a healthy gamer
Monday, 27 October 2025
Digital addiction is fast becoming one of the world’s biggest mental health challenges. Now, one globally-renowned expert says the problem isn’t games - it’s what’s driving us to escape into them. Helen is joined by Dr Alok Kanojia.Meanwhile, we meet the entrepreneur homeschooling her kids to boost her family’s flexibility, we answer you questions on crypto law in the UAE and Haus & Haus are on hand talking commercial propertySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Your weekend, sorted
Friday, 24 October 2025
From new restaurants and a museum opening, to movie releases and a GOAT festival, we’ve got all the fun you could ask for this Friday!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Think before you trend
Thursday, 23 October 2025
Dubai Police are warning parents about the latest risky TikTok trend — but why are kids so easily swept up in viral challenges? Psychologist Mark Samways joins Helen Farmer to unpack the science behind peer pressure, how social media fuels it, and how to raise confident kids who can say no. Plus, journalist and author Melissa Hogenboom shares her thoughts on what financial fairness really looks like for couples raising kids today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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How to rebuild a life
Wednesday, 22 October 2025
How do you relearn and recover when your life changes in an instant? Helen finds out from adaptive athlete Henry Dunn, a Dubai-based coach who faced amputation after an accident. She also meets a Dubai resident whose recent experience with a house fire has made her sound the alarm about fire safety at home – and we get expert advice on the extinguishers you need at home. Surgeon Dr Veronica Grassi is on hand to talk us through reconstruction options after breast cancer. Plus, it’s Pets & Vets day and we’re asking, why is animal care so expensive?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...
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Are you headed for a slow divorce?
Tuesday, 21 October 2025
Can’t be bothered to argue anymore, and intimacy feels like a chore? You’re not alone. Relationship experts call it “slow-burn divorce”. Helen finds out the tell tale signs from psychologist Tanya Dharamshi.Meanwhile, as Vogue has shocks the fashion industry by calling out sizeism on the catwalks, we ask why representation is regressing – and what role weight loss drugs have to play? Plus, we talk travel, trends and powerful passports…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Coming Up on Dubai Eye
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The Business Breakfast6:00am - 10:00am
The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.
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The Agenda10:00am - 1:00pm
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.
BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST
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UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the USAUAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the US to boost economic and technology ties including AI.
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New iPhone Launch - Too Soon For Apple?Apple Inc. shares fell Monday after a closely followed analyst warned that demand for the firm’s new iPhone 16 Pro model has been lower than expected. Is this a sign that the AI software just isn’t ready?
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Working From Home or Hardly Working?Does working from home kill productivity or can it benefit staff by giving them more flexibility and a better work/life balance?
On Dubai Eye
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Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAEDubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?
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Noon's First Female Delivery DriverGlory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!
