Executive Views

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.

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: 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: Jeffrey Singer, CEO, Dubai International Financial Centre continues his analysis on the "Shifting Centre of Gravity". He also talks to Phil Blizzard, at the DIFC Forum, about the impact to the region of the estimated $US4 trillions worth of infrastructure projects and the way the DIFC could be involved in the financing of these projects. He also talks about the impact on this region should the United States become energy independent, and gives an outlook on the DIFC for 2013.

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.