Richard Dean Signs Off After 20 Years at Dubai Eye 103.8

After more than two decades on air, Richard Dean, one of Dubai’s most recognizable broadcasters, has officially signed off from Dubai Eye 103.8. His final appearance on The Business Breakfast marks the end of a journey that spanned 20 years, 8 months, and 22 days—an extraordinary tenure in regional radio that made him a trusted voice for business leaders across the UAE.

Building The Business Breakfast Legacy

When Richard Dean joined Dubai Eye 103.8 in the early 2000s, the station was carving out its identity as the UAE’s premier English-language talk radio platform. Together with co-hosts Brandy Scott, Tom Urquhart, and the late Malcolm Taylor, Dean helped shape The Business Breakfast into a staple of the morning routine for executives, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.

The format combined breaking news, market updates, and in-depth interviews with global thought leaders. Over the years, it became more than just a radio show—it was a hub for economic insights and analysis, making Dean a go-to figure for understanding the pulse of Dubai’s fast-changing business landscape.

A Career Beyond Radio

Dean’s career extends far beyond the microphone. Before stepping into the Dubai studio, he reported for Reuters, The Economist, Bloomberg, and The Financial Times, gaining international credibility as a financial journalist. His voice and writing bridged the gap between global markets and regional business communities.

He is also the author of two books:

Sink or Swim (2010), which examined Dubai’s real estate crisis.
Crowdpleaser: The 100 Greatest Public Speaking Tips of All Time (2019), a practical guide to communication and public speaking.

Outside of media, Dean is a director at Roar, the award-winning interior design studio founded by his wife, Pallavi Dean. The firm has become one of the region’s most recognized names in architecture and design, giving Richard a chance to apply his leadership experience to the world of business and creative industries.

What’s Next for Richard Dean?

In a personal note on LinkedIn, Dean confirmed that his departure does not mean leaving Dubai, retiring, or even immediately stepping into a new role. Instead, he emphasized that this is a pause to focus on other priorities. He is currently completing an MBA, pursuing new opportunities in media and events, and dedicating more time to the family business.

Dean also highlighted his gratitude to the Dubai Eye 103.8 team and his co-hosts, while reserving special acknowledgment for Pallavi Dean, who, as he noted, has endured his 4 a.m. starts since they first began dating.

Why This Departure Matters

Dean’s exit represents more than just the end of a long-running show. For listeners, it closes a chapter in the evolution of English-language radio in the UAE. His style of broadcasting—authoritative yet approachable—helped demystify complex topics in economics, finance, and leadership. Over 20 years, The Business Breakfast became synonymous with reliability, shaping conversations in boardrooms across Dubai and beyond.

For Richard Dean, the next phase is about building on his extensive media experience in new ways—whether in business consulting, events, or education.

A Lasting Legacy

Richard Dean leaves behind not just a broadcasting legacy but also a body of work that continues to inspire entrepreneurs, executives, and communicators. His two decades at Dubai Eye 103.8 cemented his place as one of the UAE’s most respected media figures. While listeners will miss hearing him on their morning drive, the anticipation now shifts to what he will create next.

For the man who spent 20 years asking the right questions on air, his departure raises one of its own: what will Richard Dean do in the next 20 years?

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