Executive Views

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.

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a bridge between the long established institutions in cities such as London in the West and Hong Kong in the East. In this special insight Phil Blizzard talks to Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO, DIFC Authority about their key role, the development of the DIFC - which has 813 active institutions employing over 11,500 people, the demographic shift in the financial markets and the positioning of Nasdaq Dubai.

Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) talks to Phil Blizzard about the influx of companies to the freezone, which is located at Jumeirah Lake Towers in new Dubai and the strategy for future development for the DMCC. He also talks about their marketing and awareness campaign using a branded car. 2011 is expected to be a stellar year in the trading of diamonds and gold at DMCC which, in 2010, saw diamonds worth $35.1bn being traded and gold to the value of $40bn.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)has seen solid growth during 2011 with more than 1000 new companies being registered in the first 10 months. Phil Blizzard talks to Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC about their mandate and development, and the range of commodities traded.

Cherie Blair talks about being a techie and how she used technology at 10 Downing Street, London during the time her husband was Prime Minister. She also talks to Phil Blizzard about the aims of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.

At the Middle East Telco Summit the report 'Women Entrepreneurs in Mobile Retail Channels: Empowering Women, Driving Growth' was launched by Cherie Blair and her foundation. Phil Blizzard spoke to the wife of former UK Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair about the findings of the report which highlights the inclusion of women in the mobile value chain and the challenges they face.

The telecoms sector in the UAE went through a major shift when moving from the environment of a monopoly to that of a duopoly. H.E. Mohammed Nasser Al Ghanim, DG, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority talks to Phil Blizzard about that process, also about Abu Dhabi as the world's No 1 connected capital, plus the internet exchange and the prospects of market liberalisation.

Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai in part two with Phil Blizzard talks more about the on-board innovations for passengers on their aircraft, the advantages of a single aircraft type fleet and the record breaking summer for passenger traffic. They also discuss the potential growth in the Middle East for the low cost airline sector and the challenges facing the airline industry, as well as the new destinations coming on stream

FlyDubai is regarded as the fastest growing airline in the world and in just two years it now flies to 40 destinations with its fleet of 19 aircraft making almost 700 flights per week. On board the latest version of the Boeing 737-800NG Phil Blizzard talks to Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO, FlyDubai about the development of the airline and also the innovations found on this aircraft