Aeolian Sands

duke+mir

Ever wondered what makes Arabia tick? From our studio in Dubai, hosts Jon and Mir explore what’s happening across the Middle East, revealing unique insights about the people and businesses of the region.

Episodes

  1. 03/21/2025

    How to Creatively Stand Out in Saturated Markets | Aeolian Sands - Ep10

    In this episode of Aeolian Sands we discuss creativity. What is creativity, how can it be harnessed, and how have brands used it to stand out? We explore the essence of creativity in marketing, practical ways to spark and apply it, and showcase some of the most iconic brand campaigns that used creative thinking to capture attention, disrupt industries, and build lasting connections with audiences. About Aeolian Sands Ever wondered what makes Arabia tick? Aeolian Sands is our regular podcast that uncovers new insights into the Middle East.  Join us for our latest deep dive. Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/4k8fkpbe Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/49haj4tu About duke+mir duke+mir is a communications agency that supports founders and business leaders in the Middle East. Our team of expert advisors build effective brand strategies, creative campaigns and deploy measurable marketing tactics for a range of world-class businesses and challenger brands.

    58 min

  2. 08/12/2024

    In Conversation with Vernon D Cruz | Aeolian Sands - Ep 09

    What does cheese have to do with cosmetics? Well, if you're a marketing ace like Vernon D Cruz, it doesn't matter on the industry, you'll still churn out success. Listen to the secret stories from Vernon's vast experience at major global brands like Unilever, Mondelēz, Estée Lauder, Colgate-Palmolive, The Body Shop and Alshaya GroupWhy countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are so exciting for marketersAnd, uncover what makes a great brand campaign (spoiler: experience is key!)And, don't forget to follow us - @AeolianSands on TikTok and @duke_mir on Insta

    58 min

  3. 07/02/2024

    In Conversation with Ramy Assaf | Aeolian Sands - Ep08

    Want to bring an ambitious idea to life? Ramy Assaf, founder of successful technology platform Zbooni, chats with Jon about entrepreneurship.  From growing up in California to revolutionising commerce and payments in the Middle East, Ramy shares his unmissable insights on building a start-up, seeking funding and the most important traits for tech leaders and teams.

    44 min

  4. 05/26/2024

    Episode 7 - What do UAE residents like to do for entertainment?

    In this episode, we explore the behaviour of UAE residents across various areas of entertainment and leisure.  About Aeolian Sands Ever wondered what makes Arabia tick? Aeolian Sands is our regular podcast that uncovers new insights into the Middle East.  Join us for our latest deep dive. Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/4k8fkpbe Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/49haj4tu About duke+mir duke+mir is a communications agency that supports founders and business leaders in the Middle East. Our team of expert advisors build effective brand strategies, creative campaigns and deploy measurable marketing tactics for a range of world-class businesses and challenger brands.

    52 min

  5. 11/30/2023

    COP28 Special: Aeolian Sands Meets...Fatma Al Khayat

    As the UAE welcomes COP28, in this special episode, the Aeolian Sands team meets Fatma Al Khayat, an urban planner who is shaping Abu Dhabi, the UAE's capital. From climate change to vernacular architecture, from biophilic design to building a utopia - this episode explores what makes a perfect city that is liveable and sustainable. Don't forget, you can get in touch with the Aeolian Sands team by emailing info@dukemir.com Host: Jonathan Ivan-Duke Special Guest: Fatma Al Khayat Producer: Mir Murtaza Khurshid

    43 min

  6. 10/10/2023

    Episode 6 - Could time in green spaces transform your life? The importance of nature for people in the Middle East

    Continuing our environment series, we explore how spending time in nature can have dramatically positive effects on people's health and happiness. But just how many people are actually getting out and about into green spaces? We'll also look at why Hollywood is making so many cinema remakes and the bizarre link between glitter and the Manhattan Project.

    52 min

  7. 08/15/2023

    Episode 5 - What does the UAE think about climate change

    Ahead of COP28 in the UAE, we dig deeper into perceptions on a big topic - climate change. The results of a nationwide environment and nature survey are revealed and there's chat about what initiatives are taking place to reduce carbon footprint. Plus - the future of electric vehicles and a strangely fascinating look at the world of concrete! (It's more interesting than you might think).

    51 min

  8. 04/13/2023

    Ep04 - Why do some apps and websites suck?

    In this episode, we explore why people in the UAE get frustrated with apps and websites. We discuss key takeaways from the World Government Summit and how one major sporting event doesn't pay artists for their talent. Get in touch - info@dukemir.com @duke_mir

    50 min

  9. 03/09/2023

    Ep03 - How phones are taking our time and disrupting relationships

    In this episode we reveal brand new data on mobile phone usage and how many of us feel our friends and family spend too long on phones when we're with them. There's also chat about woolly mammoths and dodos, plus what if rubber production were to suddenly stop. It's an alarming possibility we might have to prepare for.

    41 min

  10. 02/09/2023

    Ep02 - Is AI and robots coming for our jobs? Let's hear what the UAE thinks

    In this episode, we find out whether the UAE thinks AI and robots will replace their jobs, a bold vision expected to inject 32 trillion AED over the next 10 years and century old predictions for the world in 2023.  About Aeolian Sands Ever wondered what makes Arabia tick? Aeolian Sands is our regular podcast that uncovers new insights into the Middle East. Join us for our latest deep dive. About duke+mir duke+mir is a communications agency that supports founders and business leaders in the Middle East. Our team of expert advisors build effective brand strategies, creative campaigns and deploy measurable marketing tactics for a range of world-class businesses and challenger brands.

    44 min

  11. 01/12/2023

    How is the UAE coping with technology and managing work-life balance?

    In this episode, we dive into the data on work-life balance in the UAE, an exciting new mission to the moon and we go nuclear as we chat energy of the future. About Aeolian Sands Ever wondered what makes Arabia tick? Aeolian Sands is our regular podcast that uncovers new insights into the Middle East.  Join us for our latest deep dive. About duke+mir duke+mir is a communications agency that supports founders and business leaders in the Middle East. Our team of expert advisors build effective brand strategies, creative campaigns and deploy measurable marketing tactics for a range of world-class businesses and challenger brands.

    45 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Ever wondered what makes Arabia tick? From our studio in Dubai, hosts Jon and Mir explore what’s happening across the Middle East, revealing unique insights about the people and businesses of the region.

Information

  • Creator
    duke+mir
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Aeolian Sands
  • Show Website
    Aeolian Sands