Go beyond the headlines and uncover the real stories of life in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Hosted by a seasoned journalist and former Editor-in-Chief, this weekly podcast dives deep into the untold aspects of living, working, and thriving in the UAE. From urban development and culture to business, innovation, and sustainability, each episode features in-depth conversations with experts and insiders who shape the region. Whether you're a resident, an expat, or just curious about the UAE, Beyond the Skyline brings you engaging discussions that reveal what makes these cities truly unique.
HR Is Not Your Friend: What’s Broken Inside Dubai Workplaces
What really goes on behind the closed doors of HR departments in Dubai?
On the latest episode of Beyond the Skyline With MJP, veteran journalist Michael Jabri-Pickett sits down with Szilvia Olah – organisational psychologist, HR transformation expert, and sharp critic of the status quo – to talk about what’s working, what’s broken, and what needs to change in the way companies manage people in this city.
Full episode drops on YouTube on Wednesday at 6pm.
#DubaiWorkLife #HRinDubai #WorkCulture #UAEJobs #BeyondTheSkyline #DubaiPodcast #Leadership #PeopleNotProcesses
4 May 2025
From Hockey to the C-Suite: George Hojeige on Reinventing Yourself in Dubai
On the latest episode of Beyond the Skyline With MJP, I sit down with George Hojeige, who is a fellow Canadian, a former colleague, and now the Group CEO at Virtugroup, the Middle East’s largest corporate services provider.
George’s journey is a great case study in what’s possible in Dubai. He arrived in the city working in one field, pivoted into another, and ultimately rose to lead a regional powerhouse. We talked about the reality of career reinvention, and how Dubai enables bold professional leaps.
In this episode, we discuss a great many topics, including the pros and cons of working from home.
Tune in to the full episode now available on Spotify and Apple.
The episode will drop on YouTube on Wednesday evening.
#Leadership #DubaiBusiness #CareerGrowth #Podcast #BeyondTheSkyline #WorkCulture #MiddleEastBusiness #Virtugroup #GeorgeHojeige #MentalHealthAtWork #RemoteWork #DiversityAndInclusion
27 Apr 2025
Unfiltered: Alexander McNabb Tells It Like It Is
In the latest episode of Beyond the Skyline With MJP, author, international consultant, and long-time UAE resident Alexander McNabb speaks candidly about a great many topics, including the state of today’s media.
From global narratives to regional realities, nothing is off the table.
Now streaming on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Full episode drop Wednesday evening on YouTube.
#Podcast #MediaInsights #AlexanderMcNabb #BeyondTheSkyline #NewEpisode
20 Apr 2025
Lovin Dubai’s Richard Fitzgerald Talks Trolls, Trends, and the Truth Behind One of Dubai’s Most Popular Media Brands
Richard Fitzgerald, CEO and founder of Augustus Media and the visionary behind Lovin Dubai, joins me on Beyond the Skyline With MJP.
We talk about the rise of Lovin Dubai, the love-to-hate relationship with social media followers, and what it takes to lead a digital-first media brand in a fast-paced city.
Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Full video episode drops on YouTube this Wednesday evening
#Podcast #Media #LovinDubai #AugustusMedia #DigitalMedia #BeyondTheSkyline #Leadership #Entrepreneurship
13 Apr 2025
With MJP: Inside the Game of Love – Secrets from Dubai’s Top Matchmaker
What really sets men and women apart when it comes to modern matchmaking?
What’s the secret to attracting a partner for a lasting relationship?
We’re diving into it all with Dubai’s very own Matchmaker Christiana Maxion on the next episode of With MJP.
#WithMJP #PodcastTeaser #Matchmaking #DatingInDubai #RelationshipGoals #ChristianaMaxion #ModernLove #SustainableRelationships
6 Apr 2025
Uncovering the Truth: Rick Westhead talks investigative journalism and hockey scandals on Beyond the Skyline With MJP
New Podcast Episode: Beyond the Skyline With MJP
This episode is a little different. Actually, it’s very different!
As a former editor-in-chief and long-time journalist from Canada, I’ve always had a keen interest in the state of journalism back home. And when that passion intersects with my country’s national sport – hockey – it gets even more fascinating.
In this episode, I sit down with Rick Westhead, veteran investigative reporter and one of the most trusted voices in sports journalism. Rick (introduced to me by a hockey buddy) was recently in Dubai, and we had an insightful conversation about some of the biggest issues in Canadian journalism and in sports media.
We dive into the mistakes legacy media made when we as an industry began posting all our content online for free; the conservative culture within the hockey community and the NHL’s headquarters; the Kyle Beach scandal and the NHL’s response; the upcoming trial of the World Junior hockey players in London, Ontario, and how Hockey Canada handled the situation; and we take a critical look at Canadian media coverage of the Kyle Beach case and the World Junior legal proceedings – and how the media should be graded
It’s an eye-opening discussion looking at the intersection of hockey, journalism, and culture.
Listen now on Apple and Spotify
#BeyondTheSkyline #Podcast #RickWesthead #Journalism #Hockey #NHL #KyleBeach #MediaAnalysis #CanadianSports #Dubai
30 Mar 2025
The Evolving Art Scene in the Middle East
In this episode of Beyond the Skyline With MJP, long-time journalist and former editor-in-chief Michael Jabri-Pickett sits down with arts and culture reporter Maan Jalal for an in-depth conversation about the dynamic art scene in the Middle East, with a special focus on the GCC. From the intersection of culture, politics, and identity, to the innovative work coming out of the region, we explore the forces shaping contemporary Arab art today.
Highlights
Abu Dhabi’s cultural strategy on Saadiyat Island: How are global landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi redefining the UAE's cultural identity?
Arab vs Western Art: What sets contemporary Arab art apart from Western influences, and how is it creating a unique narrative on the global stage?
The role of art institutions: How do such events as Art Dubai and cultural landmarks contribute to the region’s growing influence in the global art world?
Art and Technology: Is AI art revolutionising the Middle Eastern art scene, and what challenges and opportunities does it present for Arab artists?
Challenges facing artists: From political pressures to the need for more representation, what are the biggest obstacles artists in the region are navigating, and how are they overcoming them?
This episode provides insights into the emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities for artists in the Arab world. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just curious about the cultural landscape in the Middle East, this conversation is packed with valuable perspectives on where the region’s art scene is heading.
#MiddleEasternArt #ContemporaryArt #ArtScene #AbuDhabi #Dubai #NFTArt #CulturalIdentity #ArabArt #ArtCollectors #DigitalArt #ArtDubai #NFTCommunity #LouvreAbuDhabi #ArtandCulture
23 Mar 2025
Education in the UAE: What parents need to know with Charlotte Borghesi
How do school environments impact learning? Are tuition fees getting out of hand? And what should parents really consider when choosing a school?
In this episode, I sit down with Charlotte Borghesi, founder and general manager of Kidzink, to break down the key challenges and innovations shaping education in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
How school design influences learning spaces
The reality of long school bus commutes
Mental health support in schools
The rising cost of education
Why athletics play a crucial role
If you’re a parent, educator, or just curious about education in the UAE, this episode is packed with news you can use.
#BeyondTheSkyline #Dubai #AbuDhabi #UAE #Education #Podcast #SchoolLife #Parenting #DubaiSchools #SpotifyPodcasts
16 Mar 2025
The Future of UAE Cities
New Episode Alert!
This week on Beyond the Skyline With MJP,I sit down with Dr. Ahmed Almulla, an Emirati urban planner, to discuss thefuture of UAE cities.
We dive into:
The different urban strategies of Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Why engineers – not just drivers – could be blamed for traffic fatalities
The UAE’s challenge in preserving urban landmarks
The impact of the Dubai Loop, air taxis, and Etihad Rail
Can we balance car culture with 15-minute cities? (Hint: JLT got it mostlyright)
Tune in now on Spotify!
#BeyondTheSkyline #Podcast #Dubai #AbuDhabi #UrbanPlanning #SmartCities #UAE
8 Mar 2025
The Science of Happiness with Dr. Louise Lambert | Beyond the Skyline
What’s the difference between happiness and contentment? Is happiness fleeting, or can we make it last? In this episode of Beyond the Skyline With MJP, host Michael Jabri-Pickett sits down with Dr. Louise Lambert, a registered psychologist and expert in positive psychology, to explore the scienceof well-being.
Tune in as they discuss:
✅ The psychology behind happiness vs. contentment
✅ How employers influence mental health in the workplace
✅ Why Dubai is making mental well-being a priority
If you're curious about happiness, mental health, and positive psychology, thisepisode is a must-listen! 🎧
#PositivePsychology #MentalHealth #Happiness #WithMJP #Podcast #BeyondtheSkyline
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