Latest Audio

Audio: TravelTalk from the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai and as the hotel enters its third year of operation Phil Blizzard talks to Christophe Mousset, Hotel Manager about the opening of the Music Hall, and in the near future The Supper Club, both which will place the resort high on the elite entertainment scene.

Audio: A second year of profit for the UAE national airline Etihad Airways has been announced with a net profit of US$42 million in 2012. Phil Blizzard reports on the announcement made by James Hogan, President & CEO, Etihad Airways who said "This has been a game changing year for the airline".

Audio: RIM is now simply 'Blackberry', it was announced yesterday as the new Z10 and Q10 smartphones were unveiled. Steven Bond was at the Dubai launch, syncronised with other venues around the globe, curious to see whether the former phone giant could once again rival Apple and Samsung. He discussed the new offerings with Chris Corsi, Blackberry's Country Director for the UAE, Oman and Pakistan.

Audio: In this edition of TravelTalk Phil Blizzard visits the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai to talk to Christophe Mousset, Hotel Manager about key moments during their two years of operations. Christophe talks about how the resort is developing as it enters its third year and how they are introducing the first Supperclub into the region.

The strategy for 2013, which includes the launch of their boldest and most dynamic Rolls Royce to date, is given by Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO, Rolls Royce Motor Cars. Talking to Phil Blizzard he also gives an overview of their global market in 2012, indicating that the Middle East, and in particular the KSA, has not reached its full potential yet. He also provides an insight into the resurgent luxury car market by UK automobile manufacturers.

Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO, Rolls Royce Motor Cars talks to Phil Blizzard about the factors driving their record breaking growth and where both the UAE and KSA fit into their global sales top 10. He also talks about the significance of their bespoke options, with Abu Dhabi boasting the highest uptake in the world.

Greg Wiebe, Head of Tax, KPMG International focuses, in part 2, on indirect taxation such as Value Added Tax (VAT), which has the key benefit of offering governments a secure revenue source. He talks to Phil Blizzard on how VAT could be introduced in the GCC region, the complexity of local taxation rules and regulations for multi-nationals as they expand their business operations, particularly in developing countries.

Audio: Storage technology in the region, particularly in the UAE, is at 'the cutting edge' with companies investing in the latest solutions. Steven Bond spoke to Andrew Calthorpe, CEO of Dubai-based IT storage firm Condo Protego, about the industry, the benefits of virtualisation, and the company's work within Dubai.

Audio: An impressive line-up of luxury automobiles greets visitors to the World Luxury Expo which has made its global debut at the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai. Phil Blizzard joins Paul Jackson, CEO, World Luxury Group in the impressive Grand Pavilion, surrounded by an equally impressive showcase of items from world's leading luxury brands.

Audio: Dubai based Just Falafel has opened its first store outside of the Middle East in Covent Garden, London. Phil Blizzard joins Fadi Malas, CEO, Just Falafel to talk about their London presence and their expansion plans in the UK capital, for what is one of the fastest growing franchise operations.

Key changes in direct taxation around the world include significant increases in personal taxation in many countries, whilst corporate tax is still on the downward trend. Greg Wiebe, Head of Tax, KPMG International talks to Phil Blizzard about taxation trends around the world and the present immunity of the UAE to such trends. He also talks about the significance of the 50 tax treaties signed by the UAE with countries around the globe, as well of the strong oil price.

Audio: One of Dubai's most popular beach front resorts has just re-opened after being closed for 11 months. Phil Blizzard visits Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina to look at the refurbished property and talks to Stewart Selbie, GM, Mina Seyahi Complex about the new product and why it was necessary to close.

Audio: The focus is on SMEs and the protection of their IT infrastructure in part two with Ray Stanton, VP Professional Services, BT Global Services. He also talks to Phil Blizzard on how the advent of Quantum computing, and along with the migration from IP4 to IP6, could lead to the entire internet system collapsing in a Doomsday scenario.

Audio: "Resilience from cyber-attacks is essential to maintain business efficiency, wherever in the world you operate" says Ray Stanton, VP Professional Services, BT Global Services. Talking to Phil Blizzard he provides an overview of BT services in the Middle East, including their 'Prosperity' programme and looks at some of the key IT threats in this region.

Audio: A round up of travel and tourism news from across the region with Phil Blizzard featuring the latest airline developments, including generator problems for Qatar Airways and their new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, aircraft deliveries for Emirates and new destinations for both airlines. Hospitality developments include the opening of the first 4 star beach front hotel in Dubai and the arrival of Trader Vic's at Dubai Festival City. Plus a round-up of regional winners at the finals of the World Travel Awards.