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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.
Emirates aircraft fly with greater environmental efficiency
Reduction in carbon emissions and the reduction of fuel usage are key factors in the drive for greater efficiency in flight operations and their environmental impact. Captain Alan Stealey, Divisional Senior Vice President Flight Operations, Emirates talks to Phil Blizzard on how these reductions are being implemented, the impact of the more 'environmentally friendly' Airbus A380 and how the 'perfect flight' is achieved.
Airline expansion continues across GCC
This round up of the regional travel news is dominated by the aviation sector with new aircraft deliveries for FlyDubai, route expansion for Doha based Qatar Airways and also Emirates, with the Dubai based carrier, also expanding their network of destinations for the Airbus A380 superjumbo, reports Phil Blizzard.
Emirates fleet 26% more efficient than industry average
The first Emirates Group Environment Report has just been published showing that the airline's carbon dioxide emissions efficiency was 26% better than the global airline average. Phil Blizzard looks at the key findings of the independently audited report which looked at all aspects of the Emirates Group, which also saw the airlines fuel efficiency at 4.12litres per 100 passenger-kilometres being 25% better than the IATA industry average.
Evolution of Banyan Tree Al Wadi Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah's Banyan Tree Al Wadi is a luxurious resort located in the tranquil and eco-rich Wadi Khadeja, offering quests opulent tented villa's in a secluded desert environment. Pascal Eppink, GM, Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah talks to Phil Blizzard about the evolution of the resort, the group's developments in the region and the philosophy of Banyan Tree.
London Olympics eye Middle East visitors
With less than one year to the start of the London Olympics 2012, Phil Blizzard talks to Chris Foy, Head of 2012 Games Unit, Visit Britain about some of the more unusual locations which are being used in England for the variety of sporting competitions. Plus a look at their target to increase visitor numbers from 26 million per year to over 30 million by 2014, the year of the Commonwealth Games and golf's Ryder Cup.
