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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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First there was catfishing, now there's CHATFISHING
Monday, 20 October 2025
Something new is emerging in the world of digital dating. Chatfishing is a new word coined for when a person uses AI-generated messages to disguise or enhance their appeal on dating apps, only to show up with a completely different persona in real life! To get into the impact of it, Jennifer is joined by international relationship coach Hunt Etheridge and psychologist Noha El Khatib. One in six bacterial infections worldwide is now resistant to common antibiotics according to a new data released by the WHO. Dr Howard Podolsky, CEO of Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, explains what it means f...
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Croissants and haute couture
Friday, 17 October 2025
From chef Yannick Alleno’s new chocolaterie to the French pastry chef now serving Dubai’s fashion set, Helen gets the lowdown on the city’s sweetest eats. Plus, we learn the truth about drinking water, explore the sights of Al Zorah City, and learn about a new choir singing for a sense of community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Let's talk menopause in the workplace
Thursday, 16 October 2025
This Saturday marks World Menopause Day with the aim of raising awareness of the issues that every woman will experience during this phase of life. With nearly half the workforce going through menopause at some point in their careers, continuing silence around this issue is costing businesses talent, productivity, and leadership potential. Jennifer is joined by Katy Homes, CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai and Maureen Bannerman, Co-Founder of the GCC Menopause Hub to discuss. A recent research by the UK government found early one-third of internet users has reported experiencing ...
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Are you wasting money without realising?
Wednesday, 15 October 2025
New research shows the average family is wasting $120 a year on unused subscriptions. Carol Glynn is on hand to talk easy saving hacks on spending you won’t miss.Elsewhere, from burnout to the ‘quiet quitting’ wave, what if the missing piece isn’t perks or pay – but belonging? Helen meets two experts who say connection is the new KPI. We’ve all heard about efforts to make the UAE an option for retirees. But would you start a new life in Dubai in your 90s? We meet the woman who did just that…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Are we doing dads a disservice during divorce?
Tuesday, 14 October 2025
UAE expat lawyer Byron James says it’s time the system better recognised the role of dads – and the pain of reduced child access after divorce – when considering custody. Meanwhile, it’s October, which means hopefully thousands of women are making sure they check their breasts. Dr Amrita Kumar talks us through a hi-tech new screening system – and the intro of AI – that it’s hoped could change the game. And as a major new international study reveals that being agreeable is working against men looking for love, Dr Thoriya explores the situations where nice guys finish last.See omnystudio.com...
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Health boosting, the A-list way
Monday, 13 October 2025
From stem cells to gene editing to tissue engineering, some of the treatments favoured by the A-list sound truly space age to us ordinary joes. But are they are out of reach as they might seem? Dr Adeel Khan, doctor to the stars, says no… Meanwhile, the puberty conversation is one many parents find awkward. Now, a new programme called The Talk aims to make it easier for all. Its founder, teacher Nadine Walters, explains how. Plus, we talk safeguarding for kids, and Haus & Haus are on hand with the latest insights into the off-plan property market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...
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Can you eat your way to happiness?
Friday, 10 October 2025
As we mark World Mental Health Day, Helen is joined by Sandra Mikhail, author of The Gut Chronicles, to ask what dietary tweaks could improve your wellbeing. We’re also joined by Richard Douglas, Dubai’s hottest new butcher, Julianne Kailihiwa, founder of Sumo Sushi & Bento which is celebrating its 25th birthday this month, and Chef Shaw Lash, who is branching out with her third Mexican eatery. Plus, with school holidays approaching, Adam Long, Founder of Dubai Sound Academy, in on hand to discuss how to use the break to turn your child into a superstar DJ…See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...
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Why is sport leaving women’s money on the table?
Thursday, 9 October 2025
New international study Her Fandom, Her Buying Power, found that 90% of female sports fans say organisations don’t truly understand them, and 40% feel brands fail to recognise them as consumers. Dawn Barnable of The Mettleset & Pooja Sukumar of The Collective explore why. Plus, from hallucinations to false attributions, problems with AI are being widely reported. But how do we teach our kids and young people to use new tech safely if we can’t tell fact from fiction?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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When gaming becomes an addiction
Wednesday, 8 October 2025
Gaming isn’t just for kids. Adults are spending hours, even entire weekends, lost in virtual worlds—and for some, it’s becoming a serious issue. We dive into the rise of gaming addiction with Dr. Asad Sadiq, Consultant Psychiatrist, and explore its impact on work, relationships, and mental health. Plus, we discuss the latest advances in pet oncology with Dr. Nour Abou Fakher and Dr. Beatriz Wuhrmann Otero, and learn about the upcoming MENA School Excellence Awards with Louise Dawson. Finally, we shift to breast cancer survival strategies with survivor Jen Blandos and oncologist Dr. Heidi K...
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Could you spot a narcissist?
Tuesday, 7 October 2025
It’s TikTok’s topic du jour – but everyone’s ex can’t be a narcissist. So, what really are the signs of narcissism, and how do avoid falling victim? Helen gets into it with psychologist Lighthouse Arabia.Meanwhile, as research suggests a belief that kids are becoming ruder, we ask the experts how we can we instil manners in our kids at any age. And Thenji Moyo is here with your employment law clinic too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Drink driving in Dubai
Monday, 6 October 2025
It's the leading cause of road deaths in the UAE - now Dubai is cracking down on drink driving with some of the toughest laws in the country. What does it mean for our roads? Plus, we go behind the doors of a global award-winning Dubai school, and Haus & Haus are on hand with the latest on the city's property sceneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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ADHD with Alex Partridge
Monday, 6 October 2025
He's a bestselling author whose late stage ADHD diagnosis has made him a favourite agony uncle of the world's neurodiverse community. Now, he sits down with Helen for a special extended chat - and takes YOUR questions too...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Community over competition
Friday, 3 October 2025
The Global Restaurant Investment Forum will return to Dubai next week, bringing together a host of the UAE – and the world’s – top chefs. But why does working together serve them so well? Helen is joined by Mythos’ Fay Economides and Tasha’s Group’ Natasha Sideris. Meanwhile Jung Hun Song, co-founder of Cupbop, talks global expansion, Courtney Brandt has all the city’s food headlines, and William Mullally is on hand to talk us through entertainment’s busiest season…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Travel trends
Thursday, 2 October 2025
Can you still fly with a power bank? Should AI plan your holiday? Helen gets into it with industry expert Emily Jenkins. Plus, we dive into the realities of bullying in our schools - and how to tackle it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Visas and immigration - the facts
Wednesday, 1 October 2025
From new visas to self-sponsorship to new rules on residency after divorce or bereavement, immigration expert Kelly Labuschagne joins Helen to answer all your questions. Plus, we learn all about the UAE’s renewables plan live at WETEX, talk bad fan behaviour at the Ryder Cup, and as a new book tackles ‘The Snowflake Myth’, we ask, why is everyone so down on Gen Z?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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When wellness goes wrong
Tuesday, 30 September 2025
The death of a vegan influencer in Bali is raising fresh concerns about online health misinformation - but who is at risk and how to we counter fear with facts? Helen asks Dr Shef and coach Rory Brown. Plus, Dr T has the lowdown on all things addiction this International Recovery Day and we discuss the trials and tribulations of modern dating with global dating guru Hunt Etheridge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Could school fees fall in Dubai?
Monday, 29 September 2025
The KHDA's Director General says schools need to deliver affordability for families. So what could that mean for those bills? Helen puts it to finance coach Beth Clay and principal of Citizens School, David Lees. We also talk playground behaviour at work with Dr Sarah Rashmi, ask why more under-45s are experiencing heart issues, and discuss buying property for profit-building, not homebuilding, with Haus & Haus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Why is the UAE obsessed with Korean culture?
Friday, 26 September 2025
The UAE ranked as the top spender on Korean cultural content for the third consecutive year, according to the 2025 Global Hallyu Survey. But why does it hold such appeal? We find out from Hanu’s Chef Moon and K-pop fans Johnny Biryani & Keri Belle. Helen also catches up with chef Akira Back, talks hidden gems with the Hungry Sisters and finds out everything you need to know before outdoor sports season arrives…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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How to negotiate a better package at work?
Thursday, 25 September 2025
New research shows UAE employers are increasing housing benefits by an average 4% this year. But if you’re not getting a hike, what’s the best way to negotiate one without changing jobs? Helen asks employment experts Rohini Bhalla Gill and David McKenzie. Plus, as research shows we’re all reading less, we find out how to foster a love of books with a host of local booksellers and authors…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Pregnancy and paracetamol – the truth
Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Donald Trump says pregnant women should avoid paracetamol, linking the drug to a “very increased risk of autism”. Dr Margaret Harris, former WHO spokesperson and global public health expert joins Helen to set the record straight. Meanwhile, injuries, overtraining and burnout are contributing to a high dropout rate in youth sports, according to a new report from the US. Pro basketballer and youth sports mentor Jazz Ferguson gives his advice on keeping the games safe and fun. As Abu Dhabi releases new guidelines about children walking to and from school, we explore the risks – and the reward...
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Would you talk money on a first date?
Tuesday, 23 September 2025
New research says young adults like to discuss their incomes and financial goals when dating - while older couples are still shy to talk numbers. Helen asks Steve Cronin of Dead Simple Saving why, and finds out how to bring healthy cash chat into our own relationsips. We also talk attitudes to puberty - and the cultural differences at play in how we explain it to our kids - discuss teen mental health, and we get an expert's verdict on Apple's latest raft of tech releases...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The truth about trauma
Monday, 22 September 2025
How does cultural background impact on the way we experience and process trauma? We find out from the co-founders of Dubai’s upcoming MENATA Trauma Conference – and one 9/11 survivor. Meanwhile, employment lawyer Dilini Loku answers your shift work questions, Harriet Mandak examines the competitive nature of modern parenting, and Haus &Haus are on hand with some family-friendly housing advice…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Off the menu & on the move
Friday, 19 September 2025
We're out once again broadcasting live from The Agenda in Media City-- yes, just metres away from our normal studios! We'll tell you why in a sec. Dr Paolo Petrocelli of Dubai Opera tells us what's in store for their new season. We put focus on Emirati cuisine with Sara Al Falasi AKA Chef Tushi of TUJIZ and Fabienne Naggear of Kitopi Chocolates celebrate birthdays too! Speaking with Kathy Johnston of Mirzam. F&B Consultant James Pemberton fills us in with the latest food news while Liam Joyce of What's On enumerates things to do this weekend. Helen taste tested some Filipino breads through...
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Can we still trust influencers?
Friday, 19 September 2025
From the boardroom to your social feed, how much trust do we really place in influencers — especially as new regulations in the UAE demand advertiser permits and greater transparency? Creative Strategist Alex Carvalho joins us in the studio, while legal expert Dino Wilkinson breaks down what businesses and content creators need to know about navigating this evolving landscape. Then, with a special focus on neurodiverse youth, we're joined by Carrie Green from Thriving Souls, along with Rachel Boly and Sharon Tudela from YOUthConnect Hub, to explore the gaps, the goals, and the growing need ...
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The humans teaching AI to be 'human'
Thursday, 18 September 2025
On today’s episode, we explore the very human side of artificial intelligence. AI doesn’t just “know” how to speak, reason, or relate — it has to be taught. And the ones doing the teaching? They’re called AI trainers. Psychologist Dr. Kirin Hillier, professor Talal Abdul Ghani Shaikh, and U.S.-based AI trainer Isaiah Kwong-Murphy join us to reveal the fascinating, ethical, and sometimes surprising world of training machines to think — and even sound — like us. Also on the show, the Arab Child Summit returns to Expo City Dubai. Co-founder Reem Madkour and education leader Dr. Ghadeer Abu-Sha...
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Beware of your kid's 'online friend'
Tuesday, 16 September 2025
Two stories in the UAE this week underline every parent’s worst fear: predators targeting children online. Parents have been warned about grooming risks on gaming platforms like Roblox, while Abu Dhabi courts have handed down 15-year sentences in a major child exploitation case. We speak with Australia’s leading expert on cyber safety, Susan McLean, on how to protect our kids from online predators. The European Union has banned a chemical commonly found in gel nail polishes that causes fertility damage after prolonged ingestion in animal trials. Are these harmful to humans? What does this m...
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What does your penmanship reveal about who you are?
Monday, 15 September 2025
From Sherlock Holmes to CSI, we’ve always been fascinated by the clues people leave behind. But did you know your handwriting can reveal not just personality, but also help catch criminals? Internationally-renowned graphologist Emma Bache joins Helen live in the studio and even examines our listeners' handwritings A recent report raised questions about couples and children having different surnames after the law changed in South Africa allowing men to take their wife's name - so what does that mean here in the UAE? Madeleine Mendy is in charge of our Family Law clinic today Recent research ...
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Going for gold…
Friday, 12 September 2025
Team UAE has returned to Dubai from the World Transplant Games – and they’re bringing bling! Gold medallists Fatima Rashid and Omar Tom join Helen to talk teamwork and transplants. Meanwhile, sticking with the golden theme, our regular film critic tells Helen about his new role as an international jury member for this year’s Golden Globes. Plus, it’s Friday, which means food. Josette’s Chef Burcu Cracknell and Chef Ricardo Gonçalves from La Niña let us in on their menus for the upcoming ICD Brookfield Place Dinner Club programme, and we learn all about the upcoming olive harvest at Anantara...
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Tackling child obesity
Thursday, 11 September 2025
More children around the world are obese than underweight for the first time ever, according to a UN report that warns ultra-processed junk food is overwhelming childhood diets. So, what can we do about it? Helen meets Joe Wicks, AKA The Body Coach. And from anxiety to classroom confidence, toilet and feeding issues to teacher woes, we get some expert advice on how to tackle school issues early in the term from OT Adam Griffin and child psychologist Dr Haneen Jarrar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Why are fewer mums returning to work?
Wednesday, 10 September 2025
The workforce participation of mothers with young children is dropping sharply, with reports from the US showing the biggest decline in four decades. Helen explores the picture here with David MacKenzie from recruitment firm Mackenzie Jones, and Ruth Dance, employee experience consultant and mum of three young boys. Meanwhile, we examine the UAE's ban on unhealthy food in school dining halls with dietician Tonie-Maria Abi Nader and Magnus Mumby from Food Nation. And with more and more world-class athletes staying fit enough to compete post-40, Dr Shef is on hand to explain what mere mortal...
Coming Up on Dubai Eye
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Afternoons with Helen Farmer1:00pm - 4:00pm
Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.
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The Debrief4:00pm - 7:00pm
Join Dane on Dubai Eye 103.8 for The Debrief from 4pm to 7pm, the perfect way to unwind after a busy day at the office.
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!
