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St Regis Resort Saadiyat is set to open in Abu Dhabi
The St Regis resort on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi marks the arrival of the brand's first hotel into the Middle East. In an exclusive preview of this elegant property Phil Blizzard talks to John Pelling, GM, St Regis, Saadiyat about the history of the brand, what it stands for and some key features of this development, which features residential properties alongside the hotel.
Emirates set to boost trade with new service to Rio de Janeiro
Emirates are adding two more South American destinations to their network and in doing so will create stronger trade connections with Brazil and Argentina. Phil Blizzard talks to Nigel Page, Senior VP Commercial Operations, The Americas about the new service to Rio de Janeiro, and onto Buenos Aires, which begins in January 2012.
Dhs3.4 billion Adventure World theme park for Abu Dhabi
Tourism in Abu Dhabi is set to have a big boost with the development of Adventure World. The year-round theme parks consist of more than 25 attractions for all the family, themed hotels and entertainment, along with a large aqua park. Phil Blizzard spoke with Peter Jan Mulder, CEO & Chairman, Adventure World, Abu Dhabi about the EUR700m project which will employ over 1,000 staff.
Emirates test flexible routes over Indian Ocean
Flexible flight paths are the route to greater operating efficiency of aircraft on long distance flights says Captain Alan Stealey, Divisional Senior Vice President Flight Operations, Emirates. Talking to Phil Blizzard he explains the results of their Inspire tests on the Indian Ocean routes between Dubai and Australia. He also talks about the benefits of having a flexible approach to the routes used by the flight crew
Abu Dhabi cruise tourism boost as sailings by Italian operator MSC commence
The deployment of a cruise liner in Abu Dhabi for the winter season, by Italian operator MSC, will offer a significant boost to the emirates tourism industry. Neil Palomba, Corporate Operating Officer, MSC Crociere talks to Phil Blizzard about the decision to use Abu Dhabi as a base, the number of quests expected during their debut season and the ports of calls they will visit.
Ras al Khaimah to embark on cruise tourism
Cruise tourism across the Middle East is growing a significant pace and the northern emirate of Ras al Khaimah, UAE is gearing up to receive liners. At the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Convention Phil Blizzard talks to Victor Louis, COO, Ral Al Khaimah, Tourism Investment and Development Authority on what they will offer as it becomes one of the newest 'ports of calls'.
Boeing Dreamliner to visit Dubai Airshow
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is set to fly into the Dubai Airshow for its debut appearance in the Middle East. Phil Blizzard previews this major aviation event with Alison Weller, Director, Aerospace, F&E the co-organizers along with the Government of Dubai, of this B2B show.
Indian Ocean piracy increases operating costs for Dubai bound cruise operators
An outspoken Sebastian Ahrens, MD, Hapag Lloyd talks to Phil Blizzard at the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Convention about the impact of increasing piracy in the Gulf of Aden and calls for international action to alleviate this problem. He also talks about the cost to cruise operators of providing security for guests and crews of ships transisting these troubled waters on their voyages to Dubai.
Cruise tourism expected to yield AED3.5 billion into Dubai Economy
The significant growth of cruise tourism, as Dubai develops its cruising hub, will see annual cruise tourism income of AED 338 million in 2010 growing to AED 837 million in 2015. This will see a yield of AED 3.5 billion into the Dubai economy over those years, explains Hamad bin Mejren, DTCM Executive Director of Business Tourism. He talks to Phil Blizzard at the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Convention about benefits to the Dubai economy and the cruise related industries.
Seatrade Cruise Convention to highlight growth and opportunities in Middle East
A gathering of global cruiseline executives will discuss the growth and opportunities in the Middle East cruise line industry at the Dubai hosted Seatrade Middle East Cruise Convention. Phil Blizzard talks to Hamad bin Mejren, Executive Director of Business Tourism, DTCM, Chris Hayman, Chairman, Seatrade and Abdin Nasrallah, VP Meydan Hotels & Hospitality.
MENA rail projects on track with $250 billion spend
A rail boom across the MENA region will see the development of numerous projects worth a startling $250bn. Phil Blizzard at MEED's MENA Rail 2011 Conference reviews the main rail, tram and metro projects in the KSA, Qatar and the UAE with railway expert Ala Ghanem, Regional Director, MENA & Turkey, Invensys Rail.
Qatar Integrated Rail Projects to cost $35 billion
The Qatar Integrated Rail Projects comes under the spotlight at the MEED MENA Rail 2011 Conference in Abu Dhabi. Phil Blizzard talks to Geoff Mee, Deputy CEO, Qatar Rail about the key aspects of this major rail project which is costing $35bn and must be completely operational for the 2020 FIFA World Cup.
Huawei unified communication solutions for MENA rail networks
An integrated telecommunications system is essential for the efficient and safe running of a modern rail network. At the MEED MENA Rail 2011 Conference Phil Blizzard talks to Rabii Ouadi, Business Development, Rail Telecom Solutions, MENA, Huawei about their GSM-R technology for both operational aspect and the passenger experience.
Dubai Metro Green Line opened by Sheikh Mohammed
The inner city loop of the Dubai Metro sytem is now open to the public following its inaugration by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. In this the first of a series of reports Phil Blizzard, at the offical opening, looks at the operation of the Green Line and who it will serve.
Dubai tourism needs to diversify says hospitality expert
Mike Scully, MD, Seven Tides predicts a strong H2 and makes a call for a more diverse approach to tourism in Dubai in this interview with Phil Blizzard. Hospitality expert Mike says opportunities are being missed by not embracing numerous sectors - ranging from those which focus on special family resorts to adventure tourism, singles holidays and also ones for the older generation.
