Executive Views

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.