Conferences and Exhibitions

Audio: IT specialists, ARINC, at the Dubai Airport Show displayed some of the latest technology which enables a range of IT solutions and services for airport operators. Phil Blizzard talks to Tony Lynch, Regional Director, ARINC about some of the eye-catching technology which ranges from a 'one stop' check-in facility located in hotels and resorts, through to automated boarding gates for passengers and Wi-Fi connected information panels.

Audio: The theme for this years Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, organised by MEED and The Bench, was 'Adapting to a Changing Landscape'. With collaboration and innovation Phil Blizzard reports from Madinat Jumeirah at the event which saw the participation of regional and global hotel brands, investors and hotel owners. He talks to Gerald Lawless, Executive Director, Jumeriah Group, Victor Louis, Ras al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and Imad Barrakad, CEO, Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development

Cityscape Abu Dhabi opened with major developers displaying their latest projects and talking about their deliveries to date. In this report Phil Blizzard looks at what real estate investors and developers can expect from the 6th edition of the show and talks to analysts Cluttons and developers Sorouh on the state of the Abu Dhabi real estate market.

Oman is diversifying it's tourism industry with a new focus on the MICE sector, says Haitham Mohammed Ghasani, Director of Tourism Promotion, Oman Ministry of Tourism. Talking to Phil Blizzard at GIBTM, Abu Dhabi he talks about their strategy which is anchored around the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre which is set to open in 2015. Joining them is Rochelle Uechtritz from the centre's management company AEG Ogden.

Talking at the PR World Congress in Dubai on the impact of 'new media' Lord Tim Bell, Chairman, Chime Communications, UK says that digital platforms, rather than distracting from traditional formats, actually adds to the media landscape. Talking to Phil Blizzard he elaborates on his views and also offers advice to those wishing to pursue a career in PR. As well as setting up Chime Communications, which includes the Bell Pottinger Group, Lord Bell was invovled in the formation of Saatchi & Saatchi.

A second phase of new media with three main threads is being seen as 'Integral Media' by the former DG, Al Jazeera Network. At the Public Relations World Conference Phil Blizzard joins Wadah Khanfar and talks about the future of media and also the Sharq Forum, Qatar for which he is a co-founder.

For the high flying CEO, with an appropriate budget, the Falcon 7X executive jet priced at $50million offers long range and economical flights due to its three engine configuration. Renaund Cloatre, GM, Dassault Falcon Middle East talks to Phil Blizzard about the market in the region for Falcon jets and the delivery of their fourth 7X to Saudia Private Aviation.

Doha based Qatar Airways and their business aviation operation, Qatar Executive, are expanding their services following a signing agreement at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo. Phil Blizzard, at the event, talks to Andy Nureddin, VP, Customer Services & Support, Business Aircraft, Bombardier about the services Qatar Executive will be providing.

Each aircraft joining the rapidly expanding fleet of Emirates Airline requires 270 staff - from flight crew to cabin crew and ground support. Phil Blizzard talks to Abdul Aziz Al Ali, Executive VP - Human resources, Emirates about their requirements, what recruits can expect and the supply of suitable candidates.

The recruitment strategy for Du is evolving and has seen considerable changes in the past 5 years says Jamal Khalifa Lootah, Snr Director - National Recruitment & Development, Human Resources & Shared Services, Du. He talks to Phil Blizzard about their plans for nurturing talent in the UAE and their CSR role in helping students find placements with-in their organisations.

The MRO sector of the aviation industry in the Middle East is poised to see substantial growth in revenue, with a possible doubling over the next 10 years. Aviation analyst David Stewart, VP, ICF SH&E talks to Phil Blizzard about trends and developments in this sector.

The latest developments in aircraft interiors from 'state of the art' galley equipment through to in-flight entertainment will be displayed at the Aircraft Interiors Middle East Show in Dubai. Phil Blizzard talks to organiser Alison Weller, Director - Aerospace, F&E about the event as the Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul Middle East show which runs concurrently at Dubai Expo.

One of the most outstanding electric cars at the World Future Energy Summit was found on the Siemens stand where they were proudly displaying a futuristic Porsche 911 Turbo. Phil Blizzard spoke to Dr Ulrich Eberl, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Siemens AG about the direction they are taking in their drive for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon made a passionate 'call to action' at the WFES, Abu Dhabi to make sustainable energy available to all. Following this announcement Phil Blizzard spoke to Michael Liebreich, Spokesperson, Sec-Gen High Level Group on 'Sustainable Energy for All' for an overview of the initiative's key elements - who will benefit, how it will be implemented and the time frame involved. He also talks about the role of Bloomberg New Energy Finance of which he is Founder and Chief Executive. You can watch a video version in our video section.

The 5th edition of the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi with a call to action from the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon as he launched the 2012: The International Year of Sustainable Energy for All initiative. Phil Blizzard reports on the event which is expected to attract over 26,000 attendees to the summit which has the theme of Powering Sustainable Innovations. In this report we hear from UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon and Michael Liebreich, Spokesperson, UN Secretary-General High Level Group on 'Sustainable Energy for All'. A video version of this report can be watched in our Latest Video section