Executive Views

Audio: Jeffrey Singer, CEO, Dubai International Financial Centre gives his views on the "Shifting Centre of Gravity" and the positioning of both Dubai and The DIFC with regards the change in trade flows. He also talks to Phil Blizzard about the primary source of growth in the DIFC now coming from some of the BRIC countries.

Audio: In a rare visit to Dubai the Chairman, British Airways, Sir Martin Broughton talks to Phil Blizzard about their heritage in the region and the newly formed Oneworld alliance with Qatar Airways, who they are sponsoring. He states that losing Qantas from the alliance "is not dramatic, since they were losing money" and talks about welcoming the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner into the British Airways fleet, especially with new routes coming on stream - including Beirut. Finally, he expresses concerns about the challenges the industry is facing - including the quadrupling of the BA annual fuel bill.

Audio: In this edition of Executive Views Phil Blizzard talks to Akbar al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways about their expansion plans, the delivery and problems associated with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the impact of high oil prices and the possibility of joining one of the three global alliances. He denies the airline is in talks with IAG, the parent body of British Airways, and gives his views on the venture between Emirates and Qantas. He also eludes to where his airline will be in 5 years' time, when they will be 20 years old.

Audio: Winning the bid for the 2012 London Olympics was just the start of the race to hold the 30th Summer Olympiad and "chasing the big prize was one of the strongest set of cities" says Lord Coe. Talking to Phil Blizzard about the preparations of the bid, Sebastian Coe, Chairman, London Olympics Organising Committee emphasises the importance of the legacy of the games, the required funding and the aspect of organising more 40 World Championship type events over 16 days.

Audio: On board Qatar Airways debut Boeing 787 Dreamliner their CEO Akbar Al Baker talks about the key aspects of this 'state of the art' aircraft, the next step for the airline and their expansion plans. Phil Blizzard reports on the appearance of the aircraft at the Farnborough Airshow where Mr Baker says running an airline takes "courage and stamina".

Muscat is Arab Tourism Capital during 2012 and Phil Blizzard talks to H.E. Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Oman talks to Phil Blizzard about the impact of this accolade. She also talks about the significant increase in visitor arrivals during Q1, their strategy for tourism development in Oman, as well as the cool summer season in Salalah with the annual Khareef Festival, which takes place at the time of the monsoon.

Audio: The construction of a new expressway into Turkey will change the 'shape of international trading' says H.E. Mohammed Al Derajy, Minister of Housing & Construction, Iraq in this interview with Phil Blizzard at MEED's Arabian World Construction Summit, Abu Dhabi. The ministers gives an overview of the project requirements which will include the construction of more than 2.5 million housing units, 7000km of local roads, 900km of expressways and 70 bridges. He also reveals his 'golden triangle' - their requirements when dealing with investors, contractors and developers.

Gerald Lawless talks to Phil Blizzard at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), on the positive start to 2012 for the group and provides an overview of their regional development plans. He also gives his views on 'Adapting to a Changing Landscape' which is the main theme of the conference.

The Former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Dr Anwar Ibrahim talks to Phil Blizzard at the 20th Public Relations World Congress. He talks about the changing political landscape following the Arab Uprising, the impact on the citizens of Malaysia and the role of the media and PR in this era of dialogue.

The 20th Public Relations World Congress is to be held in Dubai with the theme of 'From the Arab Street to Wall Street: Communications in an Age of Dialogue'. Phil Blizzard talks to Sunil John, CEO, Asda'a Burson-Marsteller, Dubai and chairman of the organising committee on what this platform will offer PR professionals from across the globe. He also talks about the evolution of PR in the Middle East and how PR is likely to progress.

H.E. Sami Al Qamzi, DG, Department of Economic Development, Government of Dubai talks to Phil Blizzard at the Dubai Economic Outlook 2012 conference on the prospects for growth. He outlines the anticipated strongest performing sectors and the negative effect of the real estate and construction sector.

Michel Wormser, VP & COO, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) talks to Phil Blizzard about the role of the political risk insurance arm of World Bank Group and the funding which is available for projects across the Middle East and North Africa.

Dubailand is back with City of Arabia flexing strong muscles and several other entities in serious negotiations with Dubai Property Group, says CEO Khalid Al Malik. He talks to Phil Blizzard about the recovery of this stalled entertainment destination, the interest in the mixed, residential and commercial, development of Bay Square in Business Bay. He outlines the strategy of the Dubai Property Group and the importance of dialogue with stakeholders involved in the numerous projects

Khalid Al Malik, CEO, Dubai Property Group talks about the consolidation of the group since the property market collapse and the challenges he has faced in the two years at the helm of this Dubai Holding entity. In conversation with Phil Blizzard he outlines the diverse portfolio they have, with the key element now being quality as they deliver significant developments in 2012. talks about the consolidation of the group since the property market collapse and the challenges he has faced in the two years at the helm of this Dubai Holding entity. In conversation with Phil Blizzard he outlines the diverse portfolio they have, with the key element now being quality as they deliver significant developments in 2012.

The evolution of the DIFC from being a regional financial hub to a global one will see the number of people employed rise from 11,500 to over 55,000, making this a 'city within a city'. In part two of this insight Phil Blizzard talks to Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO, DIFC Authority about the lifestyle aspects - the many art galleries, restaurants and retail outlets which make up this financial cluster. They also talk about the education intuitions, like the London Business School, developing human capital and the significance of the New Silk Route and trading with China.